Core i5-655K vs Core 2 Quad Q9300
Core i5-655K
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 i5-655K is positioned at rank 1004 and the Core 2 Quad Q9300 is on rank 1039, so the Core i5-655K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-655K
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q9300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-655K | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($55) | ✅ More affordable ($27) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-655K | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+103%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($55) | ✅ More affordable ($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 i5-655K and Core 2 Quad Q9300
Core i5-655K
The Core i5-655K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,017 points. Launch price was $69.
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 i5-655K 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 3.46 GHz on the Core i5-655K versus 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9300 — a 32.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-655K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-655K uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-655K scores 2,017 against the Core 2 Quad Q9300's 2,011 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-655K. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-655K vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9300.
| Feature | Core i5-655K | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.46 GHz+38% | 2.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+28% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 6 MB (total)+2300% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Clarkdale (2010−2011) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 2,017 | 2,011 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 560 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,250 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-655K uses the LGA1156 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 DDR3-1333 memory speed. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H55,H57,P55 (Core i5-655K) and P35,P45,X38,X48 (Core 2 Quad Q9300).
| Feature | Core i5-655K | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x (Core i5-655K) / not specified (Core 2 Quad Q9300). The Core i5-655K includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-655K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-655K | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x | — |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-655K launched at $216 MSRP, while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 debuted at $266. At current prices ($55 vs $27), the Core 2 Quad Q9300 is $28 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-655K delivers 36.7 pts/$ vs 74.5 pts/$ for the Core 2 Quad Q9300 — making the Core 2 Quad Q9300 the 68% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-655K | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $216-19% | $266 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $55 | $27-51% |
| Performance per Dollar | 36.7 | 74.5+103% |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2008 |
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