Core 2 Quad Q9300 vs Core 2 Duo T7600
Core 2 Quad Q9300
Core 2 Duo T7600
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 Q9300 is positioned at rank 1039 and the Core 2 Duo T7600 is on rank 875, so the Core 2 Duo T7600 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 Q9300
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo T7600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9300 | Core 2 Duo T7600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($27) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9300 | Core 2 Duo T7600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($27) | ✅ 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 Q9300 and Core 2 Duo T7600
Core 2 Quad Q9300
The Core 2 Quad Q9300 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: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,011 points. Launch price was $249.
Core 2 Duo T7600
The Core 2 Duo T7600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 August 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.33 GHz, with boost up to 2.33 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 34 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,004 points. Launch price was $619.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Quad Q9300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Duo T7600 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9300 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9300 versus 2.33 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T7600 — a 7% clock advantage for the Core 2 Quad Q9300 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.33 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T7600 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q9300 scores 2,011 against the Core 2 Duo T7600's 2,004 — a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q9300. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9300 | Core 2 Duo T7600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz+7% | 2.33 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz+7% | 2.33 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB (total)+50% | 4 MB |
| Process | 45 nm-31% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Yorkfield (2007−2009) | Merom (2006−2008) |
| PassMark | 2,011 | 2,004 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Duo T7600 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Quad Q9300 versus DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T7600 — the Core 2 Quad Q9300 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Quad Q9300 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 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P35,P45,X38,X48 (Core 2 Quad Q9300) and Socket P (Core 2 Duo T7600).
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9300 | Core 2 Duo T7600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066+50% | DDR2-667 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+300% | 4 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Quad Q9300) / VT-x (Core 2 Duo T7600).
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9300 | Core 2 Duo T7600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x |
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