Core 2 Quad Q9300 vs Core i3-4330TE

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.

Core 2 Quad Q9300 vs Core i3-4330TE FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core 2 Quad Q9300 vs Core i3-4330TE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core 2 Quad Q9300

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,011 vs 2,022).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.6 vs 14.7 PassMark/$ ($266 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4330TE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-4330TE

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $128 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $266 MSRP).
✅Delivers 93.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 14.7 vs 7.6 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $266 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Core 2 Quad Q9300 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4330TE better than Core 2 Quad Q9300?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core 2 Quad Q9300 is ahead with a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4330TE pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4330TE is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-4330TE is the better buy right now. Core i3-4330TE comes in $128 cheaper on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $266 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core 2 Quad Q9300 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 93.8% better value on MSRP (14.7 vs 7.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-4330TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Quad Q9300 vs Core i3-4330TE Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Quad Q9300 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-4330TE — the Core i3-4330TE supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-4330TE supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% 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+50%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
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

At launch, the Core 2 Quad Q9300 was priced at $266, while the Core i3-4330TE came in at $138. On launch pricing ($266 vs $138), Core i3-4330TE was $128 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q9300 delivers 7.6 pts/$ vs 14.7 pts/$ for the Core i3-4330TE — making the Core i3-4330TE the 63.9% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9300	Core i3-4330TE
MSRP	$266	$138-48%
Performance per Dollar	7.6	14.7+93%
Release Date	2008	2014

Search Core 2 Quad Q9300 on Amazon

Search Core i3-4330TE on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.