Core 2 Quad Q6700 vs Core 2 Quad Q8400

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 Quad Q6700 vs Core 2 Quad Q8400 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 Quad Q6700 vs Core 2 Quad Q8400: 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 Quad Q6700

2007

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.9 vs 11.3 PassMark/$ ($530 MSRP vs $183 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Quad Q8400.

Core 2 Quad Q8400

2009

Why buy it

✅Costs $347 less on MSRP ($183 MSRP vs $530 MSRP).
✅Delivers 187.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.3 vs 3.9 PassMark/$ ($183 MSRP vs $530 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core 2 Quad Q6700.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,076 vs 2,092).

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Quad Q6700 better than Core 2 Quad Q8400?

Yes. Core 2 Quad Q6700 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Quad Q6700 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% 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 Quad Q6700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core 2 Quad Q6700 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Quad Q6700 comes in 189.6% more expensive on MSRP at $530 MSRP versus $183 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core 2 Quad Q8400 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 187.4% better value on paper (11.3 vs 3.9 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA775.

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

Core 2 Quad Q8400 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Quad Q6700 vs Core 2 Quad Q8400 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core 2 Quad Q6700

The Core 2 Quad Q6700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Kentsfield (2007) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 8 MB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,092 points. Launch price was $249.

Core 2 Quad Q8400

The Core 2 Quad Q8400 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 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 0.67 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,076 points. Launch price was $249.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Quad Q6700 and Core 2 Quad Q8400 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q6700 versus 0.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q8400 — a 119.8% clock advantage for the Core 2 Quad Q6700 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q6700 uses the Kentsfield (2007) architecture (65 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q8400 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q6700 scores 2,092 against the Core 2 Quad Q8400's 2,076 — a 0.8% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q6700. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q6700	Core 2 Quad Q8400
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	2.67 GHz+299%	0.67 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz	2.66 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	8 MB (total)+100%	4 MB (total)
Process	65 nm	45 nm-31%
Architecture	Kentsfield (2007)	Yorkfield (2007−2009)
PassMark	2,092	2,076
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	852
Geekbench 6 Single	—	369
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,155

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA775 socket with PCIe 1.1. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Quad Q6700 versus DDR3 1333 MHz on the Core 2 Quad Q8400 — the Core 2 Quad Q8400 supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Quad Q8400 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P45,G45 (Core 2 Quad Q6700) and Intel P45,Intel G41,Intel Q45,Intel X48,Intel G31 (Core 2 Quad Q8400).

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q6700	Core 2 Quad Q8400
Socket	LGA775	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-800	DDR3 1333 MHz+67%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	0

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Quad Q6700) vs true (Core 2 Quad Q8400). Primary use case: Core 2 Quad Q8400 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q6700	Core 2 Quad Q8400
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	true
Target Use	—	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Quad Q6700 was priced at $530, while the Core 2 Quad Q8400 came in at $183. On launch pricing ($530 vs $183), Core 2 Quad Q8400 was $347 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q6700 delivers 3.9 pts/$ vs 11.3 pts/$ for the Core 2 Quad Q8400 — making the Core 2 Quad Q8400 the 96.7% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q6700	Core 2 Quad Q8400
MSRP	$530	$183-65%
Performance per Dollar	3.9	11.3+190%
Release Date	2007	2009

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