CPU
GPU
Core 2 Quad Q9300
Core i7-920XM
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 i7-920XM is on rank 876, so the Core i7-920XM 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 i7-920XM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9300 | Core i7-920XM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($27) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9300 | Core i7-920XM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 i7-920XM
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 i7-920XM
The Core i7-920XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,014 points. Launch price was $1,054.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Quad Q9300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-920XM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9300 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-920XM — a 24.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-920XM (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-920XM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q9300 scores 2,011 against the Core i7-920XM's 2,014 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-920XM. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9300 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-920XM.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9300 | Core i7-920XM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.2 GHz+28% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz+25% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB (total)+2300% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Yorkfield (2007−2009) | Clarksfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 2,011 | 2,014 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-920XM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Quad Q9300 versus 1333 on the Core i7-920XM — the Core i7-920XM supports 199.1% 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 8 — 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 PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-920XM).
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9300 | Core i7-920XM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | 1333+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+209715100% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Quad Q9300) / true (Core i7-920XM). Direct competitor: Core i7-920XM rivals Core i7-2720QM.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9300 | Core i7-920XM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
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