Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Ryzen 5 5600
Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Ryzen 5 5600 Performance Spectrum
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Ryzen 5 5600 FPS Benchmarks
Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.
Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Ryzen 5 5600: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict
See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.
Core 2 Extreme QX9770
2008Why buy it
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 5600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (2,200 vs 11,077).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 108.3 PassMark/$ ($1,399 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
- ❌109.2% higher power demand at 136W vs 65W.
- ❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 5600.
Ryzen 5 5600
2022Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +138.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Costs $1,200 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 3185.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 108.3 vs 3.3 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 65W instead of 136W, a 71W reduction.
- ✅50% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.
Quick Answers
So, is Ryzen 5 5600 better than Core 2 Extreme QX9770?
Which one is better for gaming?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Ryzen 5 5600 Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
Core 2 Extreme QX9770
The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 12 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 136 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,611 points. Launch price was $249.
Ryzen 5 5600
The Ryzen 5 5600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 21,550 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600 — a 31.6% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses Vermeer (2020−2025) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 scores 4,611 against the Ryzen 5 5600's 21,550 — a 129.5% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 2,200 vs 11,077 (133.7% advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 451 vs 2,052, a 127.9% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,583 vs 8,600 (137.8% advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600). L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 4.4 GHz+38% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.5 GHz+9% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 32 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 512K (per core)+4167% |
| Process | 45 nm | 7 nm-84% |
| Architecture | Yorkfield (2007−2009) | Vermeer (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 4,611 | 21,550+367% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 2,200 | 11,077+404% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 451 | 2,052+355% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,583 | 8,600+443% |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600 — the Ryzen 5 5600 supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 5600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600) — the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X48,X38,P45 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) and B550,X570,B450,X470,A520 (Ryzen 5 5600).
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 4.0+264% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR4-3200+100% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 128 GB+700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | No | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 24+50% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600). Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast, Ryzen 5 5600 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Enthusiast | Desktop |
Value Analysis
At launch, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 was priced at $1399, while the Ryzen 5 5600 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($1399 vs $199), Ryzen 5 5600 was $1200 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 delivers 3.3 pts/$ vs 108.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600 — making the Ryzen 5 5600 the 188.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1399 | $199-86% |
| Performance per Dollar | 3.3 | 108.3+3182% |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2022 |
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