
Core i3-1115GRE vs Core 2 Extreme QX9770

Core i3-1115GRE

Core 2 Extreme QX9770
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 i3-1115GRE is positioned at rank 1009 and the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is on rank 1088, so the Core i3-1115GRE offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-1115GRE
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-1115GRE | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($480) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) / 10 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-1115GRE | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+190%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($480) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) |
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 i3-1115GRE and Core 2 Extreme QX9770

Core i3-1115GRE
The Core i3-1115GRE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, LPDDR4X. Passmark benchmark score: 4,588 points. Launch price was $338.

Core 2 Extreme QX9770
The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 12 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 136 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,611 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core i3-1115GRE packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-1115GRE versus 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — a 19.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-1115GRE (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i3-1115GRE uses the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1115GRE scores 4,588 against the Core 2 Extreme QX9770's 4,611 — a 0.5% lead for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,175 vs 451, a 89.1% lead for the Core i3-1115GRE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,233 vs 1,583 (34.1% advantage for the Core i3-1115GRE). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-1115GRE vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770.
| Feature | Core i3-1115GRE | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz+22% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.2 GHz+45% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 12 MB (total)+860% |
| Process | 10 nm-78% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 4,588 | 4,611 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 2,200 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,175+161% | 451 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,233+41% | 1,583 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-1115GRE uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i3-1115GRE versus DDR3-1600 on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — the Core i3-1115GRE supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-1115GRE supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 4 (Core i3-1115GRE) vs 16 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) — the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (Core i3-1115GRE) and X48,X38,P45 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770).
| Feature | Core i3-1115GRE | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1449 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+264% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200+33% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+300% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 4 | 16+300% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i3-1115GRE supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-1115GRE) vs VT-x (Core 2 Extreme QX9770). The Core i3-1115GRE includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast.
| Feature | Core i3-1115GRE | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics | — |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | Yes | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Enthusiast |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-1115GRE launched at $338 MSRP, while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 debuted at $1399. At current prices ($480 vs $1399), the Core i3-1115GRE is $919 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-1115GRE delivers 9.6 pts/$ vs 3.3 pts/$ for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — making the Core i3-1115GRE the 97.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-1115GRE | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $338-76% | $1399 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $480-66% | $1399 |
| Performance per Dollar | 9.6+191% | 3.3 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2008 |
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