CPU
GPU
Core 2 Quad Q9400
Phenom II X4 910e
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 Phenom II X4 910e is on rank 927, so the Phenom II X4 910e 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 Phenom II X4 910e
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9400 | Phenom II X4 910e |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($69) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Deneb (2009−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9400 | Phenom II X4 910e |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+178%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($69) |
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 Phenom II X4 910e
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 X4 910e
The Phenom II X4 910e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,148 points. Launch price was $157.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Quad Q9400 and Phenom II X4 910e share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9400 versus 2.6 GHz on the Phenom II X4 910e — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Core 2 Quad Q9400 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q9400 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Phenom II X4 910e uses Deneb (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q9400 scores 2,160 against the Phenom II X4 910e's 2,148 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q9400. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9400 vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 910e.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9400 | Phenom II X4 910e |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.67 GHz+3% | 2.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.66 GHz+2% | 2.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB (total)+1100% | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Yorkfield (2007−2009) | Deneb (2009−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,160 | 2,148 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Quad Q9400 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Phenom II X4 910e uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. The Phenom II X4 910e 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 | Phenom II X4 910e |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | AM3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| 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. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Quad Q9400) vs AMD-V (Phenom II X4 910e). Primary use case: Core 2 Quad Q9400 targets Desktop, Phenom II X4 910e targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9400 | Phenom II X4 910e |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Quad Q9400 launched at $229 MSRP, while the Phenom II X4 910e debuted at $157. At current prices ($25 vs $69), the Core 2 Quad Q9400 is $44 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q9400 delivers 86.4 pts/$ vs 31.1 pts/$ for the Phenom II X4 910e — making the Core 2 Quad Q9400 the 94.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9400 | Phenom II X4 910e |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $229 | $157-31% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $25-64% | $69 |
| Performance per Dollar | 86.4+178% | 31.1 |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2010 |
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