Phenom II X4 910e vs Core 2 Quad Q9400
Phenom II X4 910e
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. The Phenom II X4 910e is positioned at rank 927 and the Core 2 Quad Q9400 is on rank 1003, so the Phenom II X4 910e offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Phenom II X4 910e
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q9400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Phenom II X4 910e | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($69) | ✅ More affordable ($25) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Deneb (2009−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Phenom II X4 910e | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+178%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($69) | ✅ 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 Phenom II X4 910e and Core 2 Quad Q9400
Phenom II X4 910e
The Phenom II X4 910e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,148 points. Launch price was $157.
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
Both the Phenom II X4 910e and Core 2 Quad Q9400 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Phenom II X4 910e versus 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9400 — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Core 2 Quad Q9400 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Phenom II X4 910e uses the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom II X4 910e scores 2,148 against the Core 2 Quad Q9400's 2,160 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q9400. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 910e vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9400.
| Feature | Phenom II X4 910e | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.6 GHz | 2.67 GHz+3% |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | 2.66 GHz+2% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 6 MB (total)+1100% |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Deneb (2009−2011) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 2,148 | 2,160 |
Memory & Platform
The Phenom II X4 910e uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Phenom II X4 910e 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 0 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Phenom II X4 910e | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+100% | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Phenom II X4 910e) vs VT-x (Core 2 Quad Q9400). Primary use case: Phenom II X4 910e targets Desktop, Core 2 Quad Q9400 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Phenom II X4 910e | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x |
| Target Use | Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Phenom II X4 910e launched at $157 MSRP, while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 debuted at $229. At current prices ($69 vs $25), the Core 2 Quad Q9400 is $44 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Phenom II X4 910e delivers 31.1 pts/$ vs 86.4 pts/$ for the Core 2 Quad Q9400 — making the Core 2 Quad Q9400 the 94.1% better value option.
| Feature | Phenom II X4 910e | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $157-31% | $229 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $69 | $25-64% |
| Performance per Dollar | 31.1 | 86.4+178% |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2008 |
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