Core i5-580M vs Core 2 Quad Q9300
Core i5-580M
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 i5-580M is positioned at rank 1215 and the Core 2 Quad Q9300 is on rank 1039, so the Core 2 Quad Q9300 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-580M
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q9300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-580M | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($27) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-580M | 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 i5-580M and Core 2 Quad Q9300
Core i5-580M
The Core i5-580M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 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: 1,983 points. Launch price was $266.
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 i5-580M 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 3.33 GHz on the Core i5-580M versus 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9300 — a 28.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-580M (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-580M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-580M scores 1,983 against the Core 2 Quad Q9300's 2,011 — a 1.4% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q9300. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-580M vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9300.
| Feature | Core i5-580M | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.33 GHz+33% | 2.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.66 GHz+6% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 6 MB (total)+2300% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 1,983 | 2,011+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 445 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-580M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. The Core 2 Quad Q9300 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55,PM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-580M) and P35,P45,X38,X48 (Core 2 Quad Q9300).
| Feature | Core i5-580M | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 16 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-580M) / not specified (Core 2 Quad Q9300). The Core i5-580M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-580M targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-580M rivals Phenom II X2 N660.
| Feature | Core i5-580M | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Legacy Laptop | — |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i5-580M and Core 2 Quad Q9300
