CPU
GPU
Core 2 Quad Q9450
Core 2 Duo E8700
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 Q9450 is positioned at rank 1049 and the Core 2 Duo E8700 is on rank 1020, so the Core 2 Duo E8700 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 Q9450
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E8700
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9450 | Core 2 Duo E8700 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9450 | Core 2 Duo E8700 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+100%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
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 Q9450 and Core 2 Duo E8700
Core 2 Quad Q9450
The Core 2 Quad Q9450 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: 12 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,208 points. Launch price was $249.
Core 2 Duo E8700
The Core 2 Duo E8700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,212 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Quad Q9450 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Duo E8700 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9450 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9450 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8700 — a 26.9% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8700 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q9450 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E8700 uses Wolfdale (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q9450 scores 2,208 against the Core 2 Duo E8700's 2,212 — a 0.2% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8700.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9450 | Core 2 Duo E8700 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.67 GHz | 3.5 GHz+31% |
| Base Clock | 2.66 GHz | 3.5 GHz+32% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | — |
| L2 Cache | 12 MB (total)+100% | 6 MB (total) |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Yorkfield (2007−2009) | Wolfdale (2008−2010) |
| PassMark | 2,208 | 2,212 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA775 socket with PCIe 1.1.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9450 | Core 2 Duo E8700 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Quad Q9450 launched at $316 MSRP, while the Core 2 Duo E8700 debuted at $256. At current prices ($15 vs $30), the Core 2 Quad Q9450 is $15 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q9450 delivers 147.2 pts/$ vs 73.7 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo E8700 — making the Core 2 Quad Q9450 the 66.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9450 | Core 2 Duo E8700 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $316 | $256-19% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-50% | $30 |
| Performance per Dollar | 147.2+100% | 73.7 |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2009 |
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