Core i5-2450M vs Core 2 Quad Q6700
Core i5-2450M
Core 2 Quad Q6700
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 i5-2450M is positioned at rank 1100 and the Core 2 Quad Q6700 is on rank 1079, so the Core 2 Quad Q6700 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2450M
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q6700
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2450M | Core 2 Quad Q6700 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Kentsfield (2007) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2450M | Core 2 Quad Q6700 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+353%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($50) |
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 i5-2450M and Core 2 Quad Q6700
Core i5-2450M
The Core i5-2450M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,076 points. Launch price was $823.
Core 2 Quad Q6700
The Core 2 Quad Q6700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Kentsfield (2007) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 8 MB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,092 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2450M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Quad Q6700 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q6700 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-2450M versus 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q6700 — a 14.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-2450M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core i5-2450M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q6700 uses Kentsfield (2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2450M scores 2,076 against the Core 2 Quad Q6700's 2,092 — a 0.8% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q6700. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2450M vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q6700.
| Feature | Core i5-2450M | Core 2 Quad Q6700 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz+16% | 2.67 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.66 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 8 MB (total)+3100% |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Kentsfield (2007) |
| PassMark | 2,076 | 2,092 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 1,352 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 453 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 871 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2450M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Quad Q6700 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2450M versus DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Quad Q6700 — the Core i5-2450M supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-2450M supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-2450M) vs 0 (Core 2 Quad Q6700) — the Core i5-2450M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2450M) and P45,G45 (Core 2 Quad Q6700).
| Feature | Core i5-2450M | Core 2 Quad Q6700 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+66550% | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 8 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-2450M) vs VT-x (Core 2 Quad Q6700). The Core i5-2450M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core 2 Quad Q6700 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2450M rivals AMD A8-3500M.
| Feature | Core i5-2450M | Core 2 Quad Q6700 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-2450M launched at $225 MSRP, while the Core 2 Quad Q6700 debuted at $530.
| Feature | Core i5-2450M | Core 2 Quad Q6700 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225-58% | $530 |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $50 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2007 |
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