Core 2 Quad Q9650 vs Core i5-2390T
Core 2 Quad Q9650
Core i5-2390T
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 Q9650 is positioned at rank 244 and the Core i5-2390T is on rank 926, so the Core 2 Quad Q9650 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 Q9650
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2390T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9650 | Core i5-2390T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($182) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9650 | Core i5-2390T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($182) |
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 Q9650 and Core i5-2390T
Core 2 Quad Q9650
The Core 2 Quad Q9650 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 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 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: 2,508 points. Launch price was $249.
Core i5-2390T
The Core i5-2390T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,491 points. Launch price was $100.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Quad Q9650 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-2390T offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9650 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9650 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-2390T — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-2390T (base: 3 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q9650 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-2390T uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q9650 scores 2,508 against the Core i5-2390T's 2,491 — a 0.7% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q9650. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9650 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2390T.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9650 | Core i5-2390T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 3.5 GHz+17% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+11% | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB (total)+2300% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Yorkfield (2007−2009) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,508 | 2,491 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 614 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Quad Q9650 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-2390T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9650 | Core i5-2390T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Quad Q9650) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2390T). The Core i5-2390T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core 2 Quad Q9650 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2390T targets Legacy Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2390T rivals A8-3800.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9650 | Core i5-2390T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 2000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Legacy Low Power Desktop |
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