Core i5-3437U vs Core 2 Quad Q9400
Core i5-3437U
Core 2 Quad Q9400
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 i5-3437U is positioned at rank 164 and the Core 2 Quad Q9400 is on rank 1003, so the Core i5-3437U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3437U
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q9400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3437U | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($25) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3437U | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($25) |
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 i5-3437U and Core 2 Quad Q9400
Core i5-3437U
The Core i5-3437U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 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. Passmark benchmark score: 2,166 points. Launch price was $69.
Core 2 Quad Q9400
The Core 2 Quad Q9400 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 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 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: 2,160 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3437U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9400 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-3437U versus 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9400 — a 8.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-3437U (base: 1.9 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core i5-3437U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3437U scores 2,166 against the Core 2 Quad Q9400's 2,160 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-3437U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3437U vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9400.
| Feature | Core i5-3437U | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.9 GHz+9% | 2.67 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.9 GHz | 2.66 GHz+40% |
| 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 | 2,166 | 2,160 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 440 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,080 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3437U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Core i5-3437U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-3437U) vs 0 (Core 2 Quad Q9400) — the Core i5-3437U offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i5-3437U | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+300% | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3437U) vs VT-x (Core 2 Quad Q9400). The Core i5-3437U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3437U targets Business Ultrabook, Core 2 Quad Q9400 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3437U rivals AMD A8-4555M.
| Feature | Core i5-3437U | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x |
| Target Use | Business Ultrabook | Desktop |
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