Core 2 Quad Q9400 vs Core 2 Quad Q9505

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 Q9400 vs Core 2 Quad Q9505 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 Q9400 vs Core 2 Quad Q9505: 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 Q9400

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,160 vs 2,176).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.4 vs 10.2 PassMark/$ ($229 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).

Core 2 Quad Q9505

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $16 less on MSRP ($213 MSRP vs $229 MSRP).
✅Delivers 8.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 10.2 vs 9.4 PassMark/$ ($213 MSRP vs $229 MSRP).

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Quad Q9505 better than Core 2 Quad Q9400?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core 2 Quad Q9400 is ahead with a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Quad Q9505 pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Quad Q9505 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core 2 Quad Q9505 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Quad Q9505 comes in $16 cheaper on MSRP at $213 MSRP versus $229 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core 2 Quad Q9400 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 8.3% better value on MSRP (10.2 vs 9.4 PassMark/$), 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 2 Quad Q9505 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 4 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 Q9400 vs Core 2 Quad Q9505 Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Quad Q9400

The Core 2 Quad Q9400 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 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 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: 2,160 points. Launch price was $249.

Core 2 Quad Q9505

The Core 2 Quad Q9505 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 2.83 GHz, with boost up to 0.83 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. 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: 2,176 points. Launch price was $249.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Quad Q9400 and Core 2 Quad Q9505 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9400 versus 0.83 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9505 — a 105.1% clock advantage for the Core 2 Quad Q9400 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.83 GHz). Both are built on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q9400 scores 2,160 against the Core 2 Quad Q9505's 2,176 — a 0.7% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q9505. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9400 vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Quad Q9505.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9400	Core 2 Quad Q9505
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	2.67 GHz+222%	0.83 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz	2.83 GHz+6%
L3 Cache	0 kB	6 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Yorkfield (2007−2009)
PassMark	2,160	2,176

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA775 socket with PCIe 1.1. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Quad Q9400 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core 2 Quad Q9505 — the Core 2 Quad Q9505 supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Quad Q9505 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 0 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9400	Core 2 Quad Q9505
Socket	LGA775	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR3-1333+25%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	0

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. Primary use case: Core 2 Quad Q9400 targets Desktop, Core 2 Quad Q9505 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9400	Core 2 Quad Q9505
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x
Target Use	Desktop	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Quad Q9400 was priced at $229, while the Core 2 Quad Q9505 came in at $213. On launch pricing ($229 vs $213), Core 2 Quad Q9505 was $16 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q9400 delivers 9.4 pts/$ vs 10.2 pts/$ for the Core 2 Quad Q9505 — making the Core 2 Quad Q9505 the 8% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9400	Core 2 Quad Q9505
MSRP	$229	$213-7%
Performance per Dollar	9.4	10.2+9%
Release Date	2008	2009

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