Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Xeon E5-2603 v4

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 Xeon E5-2603 v4 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 Xeon E5-2603 v4: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2603 v4, which brings 6 cores / 6 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $1,399 MSRP, while Xeon E5-2603 v4 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌60% higher power demand at 136W vs 85W.

Xeon E5-2603 v4

2016

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 6 threads.
✅Draws 85W instead of 136W, a 51W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,517 vs 4,611).

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Extreme QX9770 better than Xeon E5-2603 v4?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2603 v4 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Extreme QX9770 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $1,399 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (3.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E5-2603 v4 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Xeon E5-2603 v4 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.

Xeon E5-2603 v4

The Xeon E5-2603 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 1.7 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB. L2 cache: 1.5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 4,517 points. Launch price was $213.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5-2603 v4 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Xeon E5-2603 v4 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus 1.7 GHz on the Xeon E5-2603 v4 — a 61.2% clock advantage for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon E5-2603 v4 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 scores 4,611 against the Xeon E5-2603 v4's 4,517 — a 2.1% lead for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs 15 MB on the Xeon E5-2603 v4.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Xeon E5-2603 v4
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+88%	1.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+88%	1.7 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	15 MB
L2 Cache	12 MB (total)+700%	1.5 MB
Process	45 nm	14 nm-69%
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	4,611+2%	4,517
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,200	—
Geekbench 6 Single	451	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,583	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Xeon E5-2603 v4 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Xeon E5-2603 v4
Socket	LGA775	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) / not specified (Xeon E5-2603 v4). Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast.