Core i5-3450 vs Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Core i5-3450
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. The Core i5-3450 is positioned at rank 696 and the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is on rank 1088, so the Core i5-3450 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3450
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3450 | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($95) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3450 | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1343%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($95) | ⚠️ 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 i5-3450 and Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Core i5-3450
The Core i5-3450 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,517 points. Launch price was $186.
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 i5-3450 and Core 2 Extreme QX9770 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3450 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — a 9% clock advantage for the Core i5-3450 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-3450 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3450 scores 4,517 against the Core 2 Extreme QX9770's 4,611 — a 2.1% lead for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-3450 vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770.
| Feature | Core i5-3450 | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz+9% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.2 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 6144 kB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 12 MB (total)+4700% |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 4,517 | 4,611+2% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 2,200 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 451 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,583 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3450 uses the LGA1155 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 1600 on the Core i5-3450 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — the Core i5-3450 supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3450 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.
| Feature | Core i5-3450 | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+53233% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 16 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: true (Core i5-3450) vs VT-x (Core 2 Extreme QX9770). The Core i5-3450 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2500), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast.
| Feature | Core i5-3450 | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 2500 | — |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Enthusiast |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3450 launched at $184 MSRP, while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 debuted at $1399. At current prices ($95 vs $1399), the Core i5-3450 is $1304 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3450 delivers 47.5 pts/$ vs 3.3 pts/$ for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — making the Core i5-3450 the 174.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3450 | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $184-87% | $1399 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $95-93% | $1399 |
| Performance per Dollar | 47.5+1339% | 3.3 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2008 |
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