Core i7-13700K vs Core 2 Quad Q9400
Core i7-13700K
Core 2 Quad Q9400
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-13700K
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q9400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-13700K | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) | ✅ More affordable ($25) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-13700K | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+32%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) | ✅ More affordable ($25) |
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 i7-13700K and Core 2 Quad Q9400
Core i7-13700K
The Core i7-13700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 45,784 points. Launch price was $409.
Core 2 Quad Q9400
The Core 2 Quad Q9400 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 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 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: 2,160 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core i7-13700K packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-13700K has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Core i7-13700K versus 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9400 — a 67.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-13700K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core i7-13700K uses the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13700K scores 45,784 against the Core 2 Quad Q9400's 2,160 — a 182% lead for the Core i7-13700K. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700K vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9400.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24+300% | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 5.4 GHz+102% | 2.67 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+28% | 2.66 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 6 MB (total)+200% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-84% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 45,784+2020% | 2,160 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 31,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,846 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 18,980 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-13700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i7-13700K versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Quad Q9400 — the Core i7-13700K supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-13700K supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 184% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-13700K) vs 0 (Core 2 Quad Q9400) — the Core i7-13700K offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+355% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600+67% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB+2300% | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-13700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-13700K) vs VT-x (Core 2 Quad Q9400). The Core i7-13700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Quad Q9400 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-13700K rivals Ryzen 9 7900X.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-13700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 debuted at $229. At current prices ($400 vs $25), the Core 2 Quad Q9400 is $375 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13700K delivers 114.5 pts/$ vs 86.4 pts/$ for the Core 2 Quad Q9400 — making the Core i7-13700K the 27.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409 | $229-44% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $400 | $25-94% |
| Performance per Dollar | 114.5+33% | 86.4 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2008 |
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