Core 2 Quad Q9300 vs Core i3-4330TE
Core 2 Quad Q9300
Core i3-4330TE
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 i3-4330TE is on rank 903, so the Core i3-4330TE 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 i3-4330TE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9300 | Core i3-4330TE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($27) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9300 | Core i3-4330TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+81%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($27) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
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 i3-4330TE
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 i3-4330TE
The Core i3-4330TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,022 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Quad Q9300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-4330TE offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9300 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9300 versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-4330TE — a 4.1% clock advantage for the Core 2 Quad Q9300 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-4330TE uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q9300 scores 2,011 against the Core i3-4330TE's 2,022 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-4330TE. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9300 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-4330TE.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9300 | Core i3-4330TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz+4% | 2.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz+4% | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB (total)+2300% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 22 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Yorkfield (2007−2009) | Haswell (2013−2015) |
| PassMark | 2,011 | 2,022 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 650 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-4330TE uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. The Core i3-4330TE supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% 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 H81,B85,Q85,H87,Q87,Z87,H97,Z97,C226 (Core i3-4330TE).
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9300 | Core i3-4330TE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 32 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Quad Q9300) / VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4330TE). The Core i3-4330TE includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4330TE targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-4330TE rivals Embedded R-Series.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9300 | Core i3-4330TE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 4600 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Embedded |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Quad Q9300 launched at $266 MSRP, while the Core i3-4330TE debuted at $138. At current prices ($27 vs $15), the Core i3-4330TE is $12 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q9300 delivers 74.5 pts/$ vs 134.8 pts/$ for the Core i3-4330TE — making the Core i3-4330TE the 57.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9300 | Core i3-4330TE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $266 | $138-48% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $27 | $15-44% |
| Performance per Dollar | 74.5 | 134.8+81% |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2014 |
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