CPU
GPU
Core 2 Quad Q9400
Core 2 Quad Q9505
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 Q9400 is positioned at rank 1003 and the Core 2 Quad Q9505 is on rank 993, so the Core 2 Quad Q9505 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 Q9400
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q9505
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9400 | Core 2 Quad Q9505 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9400 | Core 2 Quad Q9505 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+496%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) |
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 Q9400 and Core 2 Quad Q9505
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.
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 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA775 socket with PCIe 1.1. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. The Core 2 Quad Q9505 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% 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 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 16 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 0 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Quad Q9400 launched at $229 MSRP, while the Core 2 Quad Q9505 debuted at $213. At current prices ($25 vs $150), the Core 2 Quad Q9400 is $125 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q9400 delivers 86.4 pts/$ vs 14.5 pts/$ for the Core 2 Quad Q9505 — making the Core 2 Quad Q9400 the 142.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9400 | Core 2 Quad Q9505 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $229 | $213-7% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $25-83% | $150 |
| Performance per Dollar | 86.4+496% | 14.5 |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2009 |
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