Core i3-9100TE vs Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Core i3-9100TE
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-9100TE
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-9100TE | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($60) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-9100TE | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2221%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($60) | ⚠️ 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 i3-9100TE and Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Core i3-9100TE
The Core i3-9100TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 4,589 points. Launch price was $69.
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
Both the Core i3-9100TE and Core 2 Extreme QX9770 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-9100TE versus 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i3-9100TE uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9100TE scores 4,589 against the Core 2 Extreme QX9770's 4,611 — a 0.5% lead for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9100TE vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770.
| Feature | Core i3-9100TE | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.2 GHz+45% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 12 MB (total)+4700% |
| Process | 14 nm-69% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 4,589 | 4,611 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 2,200 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 451 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,583 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-9100TE uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-9100TE versus DDR3-1600 on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — the Core i3-9100TE supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-9100TE 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. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i3-9100TE | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400+33% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+300% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x virtualization. The Core i3-9100TE includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-9100TE targets Embedded, Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast.
| Feature | Core i3-9100TE | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x |
| Target Use | Embedded | Enthusiast |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-9100TE launched at $122 MSRP, while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 debuted at $1399. At current prices ($60 vs $1399), the Core i3-9100TE is $1339 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9100TE delivers 76.5 pts/$ vs 3.3 pts/$ for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — making the Core i3-9100TE the 183.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-9100TE | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $122-91% | $1399 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $60-96% | $1399 |
| Performance per Dollar | 76.5+2218% | 3.3 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2008 |
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