Core 2 Quad Q9400 vs Pentium N4200

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 Pentium N4200 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 Pentium N4200: 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 per dollar, at 9.4 vs 13.4 PassMark/$ ($229 MSRP vs $161 MSRP).
❌4650% higher power demand at 95W vs 2W.

Pentium N4200

2016

Why buy it

✅Costs $68 less on MSRP ($161 MSRP vs $229 MSRP).
✅Delivers 42.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.4 vs 9.4 PassMark/$ ($161 MSRP vs $229 MSRP).
✅Draws 2W instead of 95W, a 93W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,158 vs 2,160).

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Quad Q9400 better than Pentium N4200?

Yes. Core 2 Quad Q9400 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Quad Q9400 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Quad Q9400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core 2 Quad Q9400 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core 2 Quad Q9400 comes in 42.2% more expensive on MSRP at $229 MSRP versus $161 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium N4200 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 2.0% in the shared gaming data.

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

Pentium N4200 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Quad Q9400 vs Pentium N4200 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.

Pentium N4200

The Pentium N4200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1296. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,158 points. Launch price was $161.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Quad Q9400 and Pentium N4200 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9400 versus 2.5 GHz on the Pentium N4200 — a 6.6% clock advantage for the Core 2 Quad Q9400 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q9400 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium N4200 uses Apollo Lake (2014−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q9400 scores 2,160 against the Pentium N4200's 2,158 — a 0.1% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q9400. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9400 vs 2 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium N4200.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9400	Pentium N4200
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	2.67 GHz+7%	2.5 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz+142%	1.1 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	2 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)+200%	2 MB
Process	45 nm	14 nm-69%
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Apollo Lake (2014−2016)
PassMark	2,160	2,158

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Quad Q9400 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium N4200 uses FCBGA1296 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9400	Pentium N4200
Socket	LGA775	FCBGA1296
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	0	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Quad Q9400) / not specified (Pentium N4200). Primary use case: Core 2 Quad Q9400 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9400	Pentium N4200
Integrated GPU	No	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Quad Q9400 was priced at $229, while the Pentium N4200 came in at $161. On launch pricing ($229 vs $161), Pentium N4200 was $68 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q9400 delivers 9.4 pts/$ vs 13.4 pts/$ for the Pentium N4200 — making the Pentium N4200 the 34.8% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9400	Pentium N4200
MSRP	$229	$161-30%
Performance per Dollar	9.4	13.4+43%
Release Date	2008	2016

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