Core 2 Quad Q8400 vs Core i7-640M
Core 2 Quad Q8400
Core i7-640M
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 i7-640M is on rank 107, so the Core i7-640M 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 i7-640M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q8400 | Core i7-640M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior 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 (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q8400 | Core i7-640M |
|---|---|---|
| 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 i7-640M
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 i7-640M
The Core i7-640M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,092 points. Launch price was $346.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Quad Q8400 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-640M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q8400 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 0.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q8400 versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-640M — a 135.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-640M (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q8400 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-640M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q8400 scores 2,076 against the Core i7-640M's 2,092 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-640M. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q8400 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-640M.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q8400 | Core i7-640M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 0.67 GHz | 3.46 GHz+416% |
| Base Clock | 2.66 GHz | 2.8 GHz+5% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB (total)+1500% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Yorkfield (2007−2009) | Arrandale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,076 | 2,092 |
| 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 i7-640M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3 1333 MHz on the Core 2 Quad Q8400 versus 1066 on the Core i7-640M — the Core 2 Quad Q8400 supports 186.8% 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 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Quad Q8400) vs 16 (Core i7-640M) — the Core i7-640M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel P45,Intel G41,Intel Q45,Intel X48,Intel G31 (Core 2 Quad Q8400) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i7-640M).
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q8400 | Core i7-640M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3 1333 MHz | 1066+35433% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+209715100% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. The Core i7-640M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Core 2 Quad Q8400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Quad Q8400 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-640M rivals Core 2 Duo T9600.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q8400 | Core i7-640M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
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 i7-640M
