Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Xeon L5640

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 L5640 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 L5640: 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

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon L5640 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,611 vs 4,659).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L5640, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 4.7 PassMark/$ ($1,399 MSRP vs $996 MSRP).
❌126.7% higher power demand at 136W vs 60W.

Xeon L5640

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.
✅Costs $403 less on MSRP ($996 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Delivers 41.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 4.7 vs 3.3 PassMark/$ ($996 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Draws 60W instead of 136W, a 76W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L5640 better than Core 2 Extreme QX9770?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5640 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, Xeon L5640 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.2% 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, Xeon L5640 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Xeon L5640 is the better buy right now. Xeon L5640 comes in $403 cheaper on MSRP at $996 MSRP versus $1,399 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 41.9% better value on MSRP (4.7 vs 3.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon L5640 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Xeon L5640 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 L5640

The Xeon L5640 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,659 points. Launch price was $200.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon L5640 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon L5640 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon L5640 — a 13.3% clock advantage for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon L5640 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 scores 4,611 against the Xeon L5640's 4,659 — a 1% lead for the Xeon L5640. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon L5640.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Xeon L5640
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+14%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+42%	2.26 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	12 MB (total)+4700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	4,611	4,659+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,200	—
Geekbench 6 Single	451	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,583	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Xeon L5640 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus DDR3 1333 MHz on the Xeon L5640 — the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon L5640 supports up to 288 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 1700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) vs 3 (Xeon L5640). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) vs 0 (Xeon L5640) — the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X48,X38,P45 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) and Intel 5520,Intel X58 (Xeon L5640).

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Xeon L5640
Socket	LGA775	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 5.0+355%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	DDR3 1333 MHz
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	288 GB+1700%
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	0

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Advanced Features

Only the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) vs true (Xeon L5640). Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast, Xeon L5640 targets Server Low Power.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Xeon L5640
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	true
Target Use	Enthusiast	Server Low Power

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 was priced at $1399, while the Xeon L5640 came in at $996. On launch pricing ($1399 vs $996), Xeon L5640 was $403 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 delivers 3.3 pts/$ vs 4.7 pts/$ for the Xeon L5640 — making the Xeon L5640 the 34.7% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Xeon L5640
MSRP	$1399	$996-29%
Performance per Dollar	3.3	4.7+42%
Release Date	2008	2010

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