Core 2 Quad Q9400 vs Phenom II X3 N870

Core 2 Quad Q9400 vs Phenom II X3 N870 Performance Spectrum

Core 2 Quad Q9400

4 / 4

2,160

+0.7%

2,145

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core 2 Quad Q9400 vs Phenom II X3 N870 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 Phenom II X3 N870: 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

❌Launch MSRP is still $229 MSRP, while Phenom II X3 N870 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌6233.3% higher power demand at 95W vs 1.5W.

Phenom II X3 N870

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 95W, a 94W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,145 vs 2,160).

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Quad Q9400 better than Phenom II X3 N870?

Yes. Core 2 Quad Q9400 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% 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 0.5% 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 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core 2 Quad Q9400 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Quad Q9400 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $229 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Phenom II X3 N870 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 Q9400 vs Phenom II X3 N870 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.

Phenom II X3 N870

The Phenom II X3 N870 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L2 cache: 1.5 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1g4. Thermal design power (TDP): 1.5 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,145 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Quad Q9400 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X3 N870 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9400 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9400 versus 2.3 GHz on the Phenom II X3 N870 — a 14.9% clock advantage for the Core 2 Quad Q9400. The Core 2 Quad Q9400 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Phenom II X3 N870 uses Champlain (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q9400 scores 2,160 against the Phenom II X3 N870's 2,145 — a 0.7% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q9400.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9400	Phenom II X3 N870
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+33%	3 / 3
Boost Clock	2.67 GHz+16%	2.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz	—
L3 Cache	0 kB	—
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)+300%	1.5 MB
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Champlain (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,160	2,145

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Quad Q9400 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Phenom II X3 N870 uses S1g4 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.