Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Ryzen 7 7800X3D

CPU

GPU

Core 2 Extreme QX9770

4 Cores4 Thrd136 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2008

Similar parts

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Ryzen 7 7800X3D

8 Cores16 Thrd120 WWMax: 5 GHz2023

Ryzen family

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Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Ryzen 7 7800X3D Performance Spectrum

Core 2 Extreme QX9770

4 / 4

4,611

0.0%

34,293

+643.7%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

Ryzen Threadripper 7970X

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 7 7800X3D 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.

Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Ryzen 7 7800X3D: 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

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 7800X3D across 39 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (2,200 vs 18,500).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 76.4 PassMark/$ ($1,399 MSRP vs $449 MSRP).
❌Older platform position on LGA775, while Ryzen 7 7800X3D moves to AM5 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Ryzen 7 7800X3D can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Ryzen 7 7800X3D

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +204.5% higher average FPS across 39 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $950 less on MSRP ($449 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Delivers 2217.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 76.4 vs 3.3 PassMark/$ ($449 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Draws 120W instead of 136W, a 16W reduction.
✅Newer platform on AM5 with DDR5 support instead of LGA775 and older memory support.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 7800X3D better than Core 2 Extreme QX9770?

Yes. Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 204.5% average FPS lead across 39 shared CPU game tests in our data, 740.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 643.7% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 204.5% more average FPS across 39 shared CPU game tests. It also has a clear cache advantage at 96 MB versus null.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the stronger fit. You are getting 740.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 7800X3D comes in $950 cheaper on MSRP at $449 MSRP versus $1,399 MSRP, and it still gives you a 204.5% average FPS lead across 39 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 2217.3% better value on MSRP (76.4 vs 3.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Ryzen 7 7800X3D makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2008), a healthier platform with AM5 and DDR5 instead of LGA775, 3D V-Cache and a much larger 96 MB L3 cache instead of null, and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 4/4. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Ryzen 7 7800X3D 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 7 7800X3D

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 4.4 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 96 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 34,293 points. Launch price was $449.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Ryzen 7 7800X3D has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus 5 GHz on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D — a 43.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (base: 3.2 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D uses Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) (5 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 scores 4,611 against the Ryzen 7 7800X3D's 34,293 — a 152.6% lead for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 2,200 vs 18,500 (157.5% advantage for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 451 vs 2,700, a 142.7% lead for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,583 vs 15,000 (161.8% advantage for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D). L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs 96 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	8 / 16+100%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	5 GHz+56%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	4.4 GHz+38%
L3 Cache	0 kB	96 MB (total)
L2 Cache	12 MB (total)+1100%	1 MB (per core)
Process	45 nm	5 nm-89%
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023)
PassMark	4,611	34,293+644%
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,200	18,500+741%
Geekbench 6 Single	451	2,700+499%
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,583	15,000+848%

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D uses AM5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D — the Ryzen 7 7800X3D supports 225% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D 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 28 (Ryzen 7 7800X3D) — the Ryzen 7 7800X3D offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X48,X38,P45 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) and X670E,X670,B650E,B650,A620 (Ryzen 7 7800X3D).

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Socket	LGA775	AM5
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 5.0+355%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR5-5200+225%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	128 GB+700%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	28+75%

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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Ryzen 7 7800X3D supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 7 7800X3D). The Ryzen 7 7800X3D includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core)), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast, Ryzen 7 7800X3D targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Ryzen 7 7800X3D rivals Intel Core i7-14700K.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core)
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x	AMD-V
Target Use	Enthusiast	Gaming

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 was priced at $1399, while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D came in at $449. On launch pricing ($1399 vs $449), Ryzen 7 7800X3D was $950 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 delivers 3.3 pts/$ vs 76.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D — making the Ryzen 7 7800X3D the 183.5% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Ryzen 7 7800X3D
MSRP	$1399	$449-68%
Performance per Dollar	3.3	76.4+2215%
Release Date	2008	2023

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