Core 2 Quad Q9505 vs Core m3-6Y30

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 Q9505 vs Core m3-6Y30 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 Q9505 vs Core m3-6Y30: 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 Q9505

2009

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Costs $68 less on MSRP ($213 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅Delivers 31.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 10.2 vs 7.8 PassMark/$ ($213 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,176 vs 2,180).

Core m3-6Y30

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.8 vs 10.2 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).
❌438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core m3-6Y30 better than Core 2 Quad Q9505?

Yes. Core m3-6Y30 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% 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 m3-6Y30 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% 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 m3-6Y30 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core m3-6Y30 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core m3-6Y30 comes in 31.9% more expensive on MSRP at $281 MSRP versus $213 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core 2 Quad Q9505 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 31.7% better value on paper (10.2 vs 7.8 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA775.

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

Core m3-6Y30 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2009) 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 Q9505 vs Core m3-6Y30 Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Quad Q9505

The Core 2 Quad Q9505 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 2.83 GHz, with boost up to 0.83 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. 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: 2,176 points. Launch price was $249.

Core m3-6Y30

The Core m3-6Y30 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-Y (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 0.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,180 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Quad Q9505 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core m3-6Y30 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9505 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 0.83 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9505 versus 2.2 GHz on the Core m3-6Y30 — a 90.4% clock advantage for the Core m3-6Y30 (base: 2.83 GHz vs 0.9 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q9505 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core m3-6Y30 uses Skylake-Y (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q9505 scores 2,176 against the Core m3-6Y30's 2,180 — a 0.2% lead for the Core m3-6Y30. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Quad Q9505 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core m3-6Y30.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9505	Core m3-6Y30
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	0.83 GHz	2.2 GHz+165%
Base Clock	2.83 GHz+214%	0.9 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+50%	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)+2300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	14 nm-69%
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Skylake-Y (2015)
PassMark	2,176	2,180

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Quad Q9505 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core m3-6Y30 uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9505	Core m3-6Y30
Socket	LGA775	FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	0	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Quad Q9505) / not specified (Core m3-6Y30). Primary use case: Core 2 Quad Q9505 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9505	Core m3-6Y30
Integrated GPU	No	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Quad Q9505 was priced at $213, while the Core m3-6Y30 came in at $281. On launch pricing ($213 vs $281), Core 2 Quad Q9505 was $68 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q9505 delivers 10.2 pts/$ vs 7.8 pts/$ for the Core m3-6Y30 — making the Core 2 Quad Q9505 the 27.4% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9505	Core m3-6Y30
MSRP	$213-24%	$281
Performance per Dollar	10.2+31%	7.8
Release Date	2009	2015

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