CPU
GPU
Core 2 Quad Q9450
Xeon E5462
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 Xeon E5462 is on rank 955, so the Xeon E5462 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 Xeon E5462
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9450 | Xeon E5462 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($45) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Harpertown (2007−2008) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9450 | Xeon E5462 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+199%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($45) |
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 Xeon E5462
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.
Xeon E5462
The Xeon E5462 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 November 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,213 points. Launch price was $797.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Quad Q9450 and Xeon E5462 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9450 versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon E5462 — a 4.8% clock advantage for the Xeon E5462 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q9450 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon E5462 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q9450 scores 2,208 against the Xeon E5462's 2,213 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E5462. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9450 vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E5462.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9450 | Xeon E5462 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.67 GHz | 2.8 GHz+5% |
| Base Clock | 2.66 GHz | 2.8 GHz+5% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 12 MB L2 Cache |
| L2 Cache | 12 MB (total)+100% | 6 MB (total) |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Yorkfield (2007−2009) | Harpertown (2007−2008) |
| PassMark | 2,208 | 2,213 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 363 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,239 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Quad Q9450 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Xeon E5462 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9450 | Xeon E5462 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | LGA771 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR2 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Quad Q9450) / VT-x (Xeon E5462). Primary use case: Xeon E5462 targets Server. Direct competitor: Xeon E5462 rivals Athlon 64 X2 4000+.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9450 | Xeon E5462 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Server |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Quad Q9450 launched at $316 MSRP, while the Xeon E5462 debuted at $342. At current prices ($15 vs $45), the Core 2 Quad Q9450 is $30 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q9450 delivers 147.2 pts/$ vs 49.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E5462 — making the Core 2 Quad Q9450 the 99.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9450 | Xeon E5462 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $316-8% | $342 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-67% | $45 |
| Performance per Dollar | 147.2+199% | 49.2 |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2007 |
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