Core 2 Quad Q9450 vs Core i7-3555LE

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 Q9450 vs Core i7-3555LE 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 Q9450 vs Core i7-3555LE: 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 Q9450

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,208 vs 2,238).
❌
5.3% HIGHER MSRP
$316 MSRPvs$300 MSRP
❌280% higher power demand at 95W vs 25W.

Core i7-3555LE

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $16 less on MSRP ($300 MSRP vs $316 MSRP).
✅Draws 25W instead of 95W, a 70W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3555LE better than Core 2 Quad Q9450?

Yes. Core i7-3555LE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 31 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.4% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3555LE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% more average FPS across 31 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3555LE is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-3555LE is the better buy right now. Core i7-3555LE comes in $16 cheaper on MSRP at $300 MSRP versus $316 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 31 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 6.8% better value on MSRP (7.5 vs 7.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-3555LE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Quad Q9450 vs Core i7-3555LE Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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 i7-3555LE

The Core i7-3555LE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 2,238 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Quad Q9450 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-3555LE offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9450 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9450 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-3555LE — a 18.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-3555LE (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q9450 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-3555LE uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q9450 scores 2,208 against the Core i7-3555LE's 2,238 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i7-3555LE. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9450 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3555LE.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9450	Core i7-3555LE
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.67 GHz	3.2 GHz+20%
Base Clock	2.66 GHz+6%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	12 MB (total)+4700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,208	2,238+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Quad Q9450 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-3555LE uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9450	Core i7-3555LE
Socket	LGA775	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Quad Q9450 was priced at $316, while the Core i7-3555LE came in at $300. On launch pricing ($316 vs $300), Core i7-3555LE was $16 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q9450 delivers 7.0 pts/$ vs 7.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-3555LE — making the Core i7-3555LE the 6.5% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9450	Core i7-3555LE
MSRP	$316	$300-5%
Performance per Dollar	7.0	7.5+7%
Release Date	2008	2012

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