Core 2 Quad Q8300 vs Opteron X2170

Intel

Core 2 Quad Q8300

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2008
Similar parts
·······
VS
AMD

Opteron X2170

4 Cores4 Thrd25 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2016
Similar parts
·······

Core 2 Quad Q8300 vs Opteron X2170 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 Quad Q8300 vs Opteron X2170 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 Q8300 vs Opteron X2170: 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 Q8300

2008

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Launch MSRP is still $179 MSRP, while Opteron X2170 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • 280% higher power demand at 95W vs 25W.

    Opteron X2170

    2016

    Why buy it

    • Draws 25W instead of 95W, a 70W reduction.

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,911 vs 1,917).

    Quick Answers

    So, is Core 2 Quad Q8300 better than Opteron X2170?
    Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron X2170 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core 2 Quad Q8300 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 Quad Q8300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.0% 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 Q8300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Core 2 Quad Q8300 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Quad Q8300 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $179 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (10.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Opteron X2170 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 Quad Q8300 vs Opteron X2170 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Core 2 Quad Q8300

    The Core 2 Quad Q8300 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 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: 1,917 points. Launch price was $249.

    AMD

    Opteron X2170

    The Opteron X2170 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Steppe Eagle (2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FT3. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,911 points. Launch price was $800.

    Processing Power

    Both the Core 2 Quad Q8300 and Opteron X2170 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q8300 versus 2.4 GHz on the Opteron X2170 — a 4.1% clock advantage for the Core 2 Quad Q8300 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q8300 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Opteron X2170 uses Steppe Eagle (2016) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q8300 scores 1,917 against the Opteron X2170's 1,911 — a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q8300. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

    FeatureCore 2 Quad Q8300Opteron X2170
    Cores / Threads
    4 / 4
    4 / 4
    Boost Clock
    2.5 GHz+4%
    2.4 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.5 GHz+4%
    2.4 GHz
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    4 MB (total)+100%
    2 MB (total)
    Process
    45 nm
    28 nm-38%
    Architecture
    Yorkfield (2007−2009)
    Steppe Eagle (2016)
    PassMark
    1,917
    1,911
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core 2 Quad Q8300 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Opteron X2170 uses FT3 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCore 2 Quad Q8300Opteron X2170
    Socket
    LGA775
    FT3
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 1.1
    PCIe 3.0+173%