Core 2 Quad Q9300 vs Core i5-580M

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 i5-580M 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 i5-580M: 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

✅+1.4% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $266 MSRP, while Core i5-580M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-580M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-580M

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics, while Core 2 Quad Q9300 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,983 vs 2,011).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-580M better than Core 2 Quad Q9300?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-580M is ahead with a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Quad Q9300 pulls ahead with 1.4% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Quad Q9300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-580M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-580M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $266 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core 2 Quad Q9300 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2008 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (7.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA775.

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

Core i5-580M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Quad Q9300 vs Core i5-580M 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 i5-580M

The Core i5-580M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 3 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: 1,983 points. Launch price was $266.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Quad Q9300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-580M 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 3.33 GHz on the Core i5-580M — a 28.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-580M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-580M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q9300 scores 2,011 against the Core i5-580M's 1,983 — a 1.4% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q9300. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9300 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-580M.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9300	Core i5-580M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz	3.33 GHz+33%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.66 GHz+6%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)	256K (per core)+4167%
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,011+1%	1,983
Geekbench 6 Single	—	445

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-580M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. The Core 2 Quad Q9300 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 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 HM55,PM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-580M).

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9300	Core i5-580M
Socket	LGA775	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Quad Q9300) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-580M). The Core i5-580M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-580M targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-580M rivals Phenom II X2 N660.