CPU
GPU
Core 2 Quad Q8400
Core 2 Duo T5870
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core 2 Quad Q8400 is positioned at rank 975 and the Core 2 Duo T5870 is on rank 538, so the Core 2 Duo T5870 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q8400
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo T5870
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q8400 | Core 2 Duo T5870 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($128) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q8400 | Core 2 Duo T5870 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($128) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Quad Q8400 and Core 2 Duo T5870
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.
Core 2 Duo T5870
The Core 2 Duo T5870 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,089 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Quad Q8400 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Duo T5870 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q8400 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 0.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q8400 versus 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5870 — a 99.6% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo T5870 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q8400 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T5870 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q8400 scores 2,076 against the Core 2 Duo T5870's 2,089 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Duo T5870. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 369 vs 203, a 58% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q8400 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,155 vs 314 (114.5% advantage for the Core 2 Quad Q8400). L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q8400 vs 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T5870.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q8400 | Core 2 Duo T5870 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 0.67 GHz | 2 GHz+199% |
| Base Clock | 2.66 GHz+33% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 2 MB L2 Cache |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB (total)+100% | 2 MB |
| Process | 45 nm-31% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Yorkfield (2007−2009) | Merom (2006−2008) |
| PassMark | 2,076 | 2,089 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 852 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 369+82% | 203 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,155+268% | 314 |
Memory & Platform
Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3 1333 MHz on the Core 2 Quad Q8400 versus DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Duo T5870 — the Core 2 Quad Q8400 supports 200% 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 4 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel P45,Intel G41,Intel Q45,Intel X48,Intel G31 (Core 2 Quad Q8400) and GM965,GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo T5870).
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q8400 | Core 2 Duo T5870 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | — |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3 1333 MHz+50% | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+300% | 4 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core 2 Quad Q8400) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo T5870). Primary use case: Core 2 Quad Q8400 targets Desktop, Core 2 Duo T5870 targets Legacy Mobile.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q8400 | Core 2 Duo T5870 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | Desktop | Legacy Mobile |
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