CPU
GPU
Core 2 Quad Q8400
Core 2 Duo T7250
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 T7250 is on rank 20, so the Core 2 Duo T7250 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 T7250
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q8400 | Core 2 Duo T7250 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| 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 T7250 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 T7250
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 T7250
The Core 2 Duo T7250 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: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,073 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Quad Q8400 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Duo T7250 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 T7250 — a 99.6% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo T7250 (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 T7250 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q8400 scores 2,076 against the Core 2 Duo T7250's 2,073 — a 0.1% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q8400. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q8400 | Core 2 Duo T7250 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB (total)+100% | 2 MB |
| Process | 45 nm-31% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Yorkfield (2007−2009) | Merom (2006−2008) |
| PassMark | 2,076 | 2,073 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 852 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 369 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,155 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Quad Q8400 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Duo T7250 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3 1333 MHz on the Core 2 Quad Q8400 versus DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T7250 — the Core 2 Quad Q8400 supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: Intel P45,Intel G41,Intel Q45,Intel X48,Intel G31 (Core 2 Quad Q8400) and GM965,PM965 (Core 2 Duo T7250).
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q8400 | Core 2 Duo T7250 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3 1333 MHz+50% | DDR2-667 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | — |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core 2 Quad Q8400) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo T7250). Primary use case: Core 2 Quad Q8400 targets Desktop, Core 2 Duo T7250 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T7250 rivals Athlon 64 X2 TK-42.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q8400 | Core 2 Duo T7250 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | Desktop | Budget |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core 2 Quad Q8400 and Core 2 Duo T7250
