Core i3-4330TE vs Core 2 Quad Q9300
Core i3-4330TE
Core 2 Quad Q9300
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 i3-4330TE is positioned at rank 903 and the Core 2 Quad Q9300 is on rank 1039, so the Core i3-4330TE offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4330TE
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q9300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-4330TE | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($27) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-4330TE | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+81%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($27) |
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 i3-4330TE and Core 2 Quad Q9300
Core i3-4330TE
The Core i3-4330TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,022 points. Launch price was $69.
Core 2 Quad Q9300
The Core 2 Quad Q9300 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 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: 2,011 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core i3-4330TE packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9300 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-4330TE versus 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9300 — a 4.1% clock advantage for the Core 2 Quad Q9300 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-4330TE uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4330TE scores 2,022 against the Core 2 Quad Q9300's 2,011 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-4330TE. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-4330TE vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9300.
| Feature | Core i3-4330TE | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.4 GHz | 2.5 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 2.5 GHz+4% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 6 MB (total)+2300% |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 2,022 | 2,011 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 650 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-4330TE uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Core i3-4330TE supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H81,B85,Q85,H87,Q87,Z87,H97,Z97,C226 (Core i3-4330TE) and P35,P45,X38,X48 (Core 2 Quad Q9300).
| Feature | Core i3-4330TE | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+100% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4330TE) / not specified (Core 2 Quad Q9300). The Core i3-4330TE includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4330TE targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-4330TE rivals Embedded R-Series.
| Feature | Core i3-4330TE | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4600 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Embedded | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-4330TE launched at $138 MSRP, while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 debuted at $266. At current prices ($15 vs $27), the Core i3-4330TE is $12 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4330TE delivers 134.8 pts/$ vs 74.5 pts/$ for the Core 2 Quad Q9300 — making the Core i3-4330TE the 57.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-4330TE | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $138-48% | $266 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-44% | $27 |
| Performance per Dollar | 134.8+81% | 74.5 |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2008 |
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