Core i7-2860QM vs Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Core i7-2860QM
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 i7-2860QM is positioned at rank 68 and the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is on rank 1088, so the Core i7-2860QM offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2860QM
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-2860QM | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-2860QM | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ 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 i7-2860QM and Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Core i7-2860QM
The Core i7-2860QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,597 points. Launch price was $568.
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
The Core i7-2860QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core 2 Extreme QX9770's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-2860QM versus 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-2860QM (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-2860QM uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2860QM scores 4,597 against the Core 2 Extreme QX9770's 4,611 — a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2860QM vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770.
| Feature | Core i7-2860QM | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz+12% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.2 GHz+28% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 12 MB (total)+4700% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 4,597 | 4,611 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 2,200 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 451 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,583 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-2860QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), 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 i7-2860QM versus DDR3-1600 on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — the Core i7-2860QM supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-2860QM 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. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2860QM) and X48,X38,P45 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770).
| Feature | Core i7-2860QM | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | 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
Only the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-2860QM) vs VT-x (Core 2 Extreme QX9770). The Core i7-2860QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast. Direct competitor: Core i7-2860QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.
| Feature | Core i7-2860QM | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Enthusiast |
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