CPU
GPU
Core i5-4460S
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 i5-4460S is positioned at rank 677 and the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is on rank 1088, so the Core i5-4460S offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-4460S
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-4460S | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-4460S | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2719%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ 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 i5-4460S and Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Core i5-4460S
The Core i5-4460S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,645 points. Launch price was $182.
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 i5-4460S and Core 2 Extreme QX9770 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-4460S versus 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-4460S (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-4460S uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4460S scores 4,645 against the Core 2 Extreme QX9770's 4,611 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-4460S. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 847 vs 451, a 61% lead for the Core i5-4460S that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,614 vs 1,583 (49.1% advantage for the Core i5-4460S). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4460S vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770.
| Feature | Core i5-4460S | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz+6% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.2 GHz+10% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 12 MB (total)+4700% |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 4,645 | 4,611 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 2,200 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 847+88% | 451 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,614+65% | 1,583 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-4460S uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Core i5-4460S supports up to 32 GB 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: H81,B85,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4460S) and X48,X38,P45 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770).
| Feature | Core i5-4460S | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+100% | 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 i5-4460S includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4600), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4460S targets Office Desktop, Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast.
| Feature | Core i5-4460S | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4600 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x |
| Target Use | Office Desktop | Enthusiast |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-4460S launched at $182 MSRP, while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 debuted at $1399. At current prices ($50 vs $1399), the Core i5-4460S is $1349 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4460S delivers 92.9 pts/$ vs 3.3 pts/$ for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — making the Core i5-4460S the 186.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-4460S | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $182-87% | $1399 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50-96% | $1399 |
| Performance per Dollar | 92.9+2715% | 3.3 |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2008 |
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