CPU
GPU
Core i5-3317U
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 i5-3317U is positioned at rank 932 and the Core 2 Quad Q9300 is on rank 1039, so the Core i5-3317U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3317U
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q9300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3317U | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($27) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3317U | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ 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 i5-3317U and Core 2 Quad Q9300
Core i5-3317U
The Core i5-3317U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,014 points. Launch price was $225.
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 i5-3317U 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 2.6 GHz on the Core i5-3317U versus 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9300 — a 3.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-3317U (base: 1.7 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-3317U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3317U scores 2,014 against the Core 2 Quad Q9300's 2,011 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-3317U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3317U vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9300.
| Feature | Core i5-3317U | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.6 GHz+4% | 2.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.7 GHz | 2.5 GHz+47% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 6 MB (total)+2300% |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 2,014 | 2,011 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3317U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i5-3317U versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Quad Q9300 — the Core i5-3317U supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3317U supports up to 32 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: HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3317U) and P35,P45,X38,X48 (Core 2 Quad Q9300).
| Feature | Core i5-3317U | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+53233% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 16 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i5-3317U) / not specified (Core 2 Quad Q9300). The Core i5-3317U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-3317U rivals AMD A8-4555M.
| Feature | Core i5-3317U | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
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