Core 2 Extreme QX9300
CPU·Budget

Core 2 Extreme QX9300

Intel

PassMark

1,805

2008-01-01
45 Watt
Penryn (2008−2011)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Core 2 Extreme QX9300
4 / 4
1,805
0.0%
brand logoPentium 2117U
brand logoPentium N3540
brand logoCeleron 1020E
brand logoPentium Dual Core T2370
brand logoCore i5-13500H
brand logoXeon W-3275M
brand logoCore i9-14900KS
brand logoXeon w9-3575X

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.

Overview

The Core 2 Extreme QX9300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 12 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,805 points. Launch price was $249.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Extreme QX9300 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

ARC Raiders

ARC Raiders

1080p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
1440p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
4k
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
Call of Duty: Warzone

Call of Duty: Warzone

1080p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
1440p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
4k
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
1440p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
4k
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
Delta Force

Delta Force

1080p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
1440p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
4k
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
Euro Truck Simulator 2

Euro Truck Simulator 2

1080p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
1440p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
4k
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
Final Fantasy XIV

Final Fantasy XIV

1080p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
1440p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
4k
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact

1080p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
1440p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra44 FPS
4k
low45 FPS
medium42 FPS
high35 FPS
ultra31 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
1440p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
4k
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
Naraka: Bladepoint

Naraka: Bladepoint

1080p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
1440p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
4k
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra40 FPS
Palworld

Palworld

1080p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
1440p
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra45 FPS
4k
low45 FPS
medium45 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra38 FPS
Check FPS with Custom Builds

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Extreme QX9300 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Extreme QX9300 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.53 GHz from a base frequency of 2.53 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 12 MB of L2 cache and 64 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,805, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationCore 2 Extreme QX9300
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.53 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.53 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designPenryn (2008−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data12 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor2x 107 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency1066 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclockedYes (Overclockable)
Core Voltage Range1.05V-1.175V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,805
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Extreme QX9300 fits into the PGA478 socket and supports PCIe 1.1.

SpecificationCore 2 Extreme QX9300
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyCore 2 Extreme
SocketMotherboard socket requiredPGA478
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 1.1
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers2
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Extreme QX9300 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationCore 2 Extreme QX9300
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload45 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
💰

Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #2671 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore 2 Extreme QX9300
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$249
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2671
Release DateLaunch date2008-01-01
Release Year2008
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

3 categories

General Information

7 specs

TypeLaptop
SeriesCore 2 Extreme
DesignerIntel
Launch Price$249
Release Date2008-01-01
Architecture CodenamePenryn (2008−2011)
Performance Ranking Position2671

Technical Specifications

15 specs

Cores4
Threads4
Die Size2x 107 mm2
L1 Cache64 kB
L2 Cache12 MB
L3 Cache0 kB
Bus Speed1066 MHz
Max Frequency2.53 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency2.53 GHz
Process Technology45 nm
Unlocked Multiplier+
Allowed Core Voltage1.05V-1.175V
Max Core Temperature100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible-

Compatibility

4 specs

SocketPGA478
PCIe GenerationPCIe 1.1
Power Consumption (TDP)45 Watt
Max Processors In Config2

Our Recommendation for Core 2 Extreme QX9300

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)

Quadro T1000 Max-QG3D Mark: 5,000
4 GBCore: 765 MHz2019
Radeon R9 M295X Mac EditionG3D Mark: 5,000
2 GBCore: 850 MHz2014
QuadroG3D Mark: 5,000
2 GBCore: 135 MHz1999
Radeon HD 7970M CrossfireG3D Mark: 5,000
2 GBCore: 850 MHz2012
Quadro T1000 (móvel)G3D Mark: 5,000
4 GBCore: 1395 MHz2019
M1 8-Core GPUG3D Mark: 5,000
2 GBCore: 1278 MHz2020
GeForce GTX 460 OEMG3D Mark: 5,000
2 GBCore: 650 MHz2010
GeForce GTX 1630G3D Mark: 4,992
4 GBCore: 1740 MHz2022
Radeon R9 M395G3D Mark: 4,934
2 GBCore: 834 MHz2015
RTXA5000-8QG3D Mark: 4,916
2 GBCore: 1170 MHz2021
FirePro S9050G3D Mark: 4,901
4 GBCore: 900 MHz2014
CMP 30HXG3D Mark: 4,892
2 GBCore: 1530 MHz2021

Recommended (Balanced) (12)

GeForce GTX 1070 with Max-Q DesignG3D Mark: 9,842
8 GBCore: 1215 MHz2017
GeForce GTX 1060 3GBG3D Mark: 9,815
3 GBCore: 1506 MHz2016
Arc A730MG3D Mark: 9,808
12 GBCore: 1100 MHz2022
Radeon 8040SG3D Mark: 9,756
4 GBCore: 1295 MHz2025
Radeon R9 Fury + Fury XG3D Mark: 9,741
4 GB2015
Radeon RX 6550MG3D Mark: 9,705
4 GBCore: 2000 MHz2023
GeForce RTX 2060 with Max-Q DesignG3D Mark: 9,674
6 GBCore: 975 MHz2020
GeForce GTX 970G3D Mark: 9,640
4 GBCore: 1050 MHz2014
Radeon RX 6500 XTG3D Mark: 9,603
4 GBCore: 2610 MHz2022
GRID P40-2QG3D Mark: 9,581
4 GBCore: 557 MHz2015
Radeon RX Vega Ryzen 5 5600GTG3D Mark: 9,558
Shared System RAM2020
Radeon R9 FuryG3D Mark: 9,521
4 GB2015

High-End (Max Performance) (12)

Radeon Pro W6800XG3D Mark: 18,000
32 GBCore: 1800 MHz2021
Radeon 8060SG3D Mark: 17,989
noneCore: 1295 MHz2025
Quadro RTX 6000G3D Mark: 17,887
24 GBCore: 1440 MHz2018
GeForce GTX 1070 SLIG3D Mark: 17,790
8 GBCore: 1506 MHz2016
GeForce GTX 1070 SLI (móvel)G3D Mark: 17,790
8 GBCore: 1443 MHz2016
GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Laptop GPUG3D Mark: 17,621
8 GBCore: 1575 MHz2021
GeForce RTX 3070 Ti MobileG3D Mark: 17,621
8 GBCore: 915 MHz2022
Radeon Pro W5700XG3D Mark: 17,591
16 GBCore: 1243 MHz2019
Radeon Pro W6900XG3D Mark: 17,413
32 GBCore: 1825 MHz2021
GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPUG3D Mark: 17,400
8 GBCore: 2310 MHz2023
GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPUG3D Mark: 17,374
8 GBCore: 2407 MHz2025
Radeon RX 6850M XTG3D Mark: 17,350
12 GBCore: 2321 MHz2022

Compare Core 2 Extreme QX9300

See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives

Better Alternatives (8)

Core 2 Extreme QX9300
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.53 GHz2008
VS
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4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.26 GHz2008
Core 2 Extreme QX9300
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.53 GHz2008
VS
Athlon II X3 445
3 Cores3 ThrdMax: 3.1 GHz2010
Core 2 Extreme QX9300
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.53 GHz2008
VS
Core 2 Quad Q8200
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.33 GHz2008
Core 2 Extreme QX9300
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.53 GHz2008
VS
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2 Cores2 ThrdMax: 2.3 GHz2007
Core 2 Extreme QX9300
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.53 GHz2008
VS
A8-5550M
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 3.1 GHz2013
Core 2 Extreme QX9300
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.53 GHz2008
VS
A4-3305M
2 Cores2 ThrdMax: 2.5 GHz2011
Core 2 Extreme QX9300
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.53 GHz2008
VS
Xeon E5503
2 Cores2 ThrdMax: 2 GHz2010
Core 2 Extreme QX9300
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.53 GHz2008
VS
Atom x5-E3940
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 1.8 GHz2014

Similar or Lower Performance (8)

Core 2 Extreme QX9300
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.53 GHz2008
VS
Core 2 Duo T9550
2 Cores2 ThrdMax: 2.66 GHz2009
Core 2 Extreme QX9300
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.53 GHz2008
VS
Core 2 Duo T9500
2 Cores2 ThrdMax: 2.6 GHz2008
Core 2 Extreme QX9300
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.53 GHz2008
VS
A6-7470K
2 Cores2 ThrdMax: 4 GHz2016
Core 2 Extreme QX9300
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.53 GHz2008
VS
Celeron Dual-Core T3000
2 Cores2 ThrdMax: 1.8 GHz2009
Core 2 Extreme QX9300
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.53 GHz2008
VS
Core i3-4000M
2 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.4 GHz2013
Core 2 Extreme QX9300
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.53 GHz2008
VS
Athlon 5350
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.05 GHz2014
Core 2 Extreme QX9300
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.53 GHz2008
VS
Core i5-540M
2 Cores4 ThrdMax: 3.07 GHz2010
Core 2 Extreme QX9300
4 Cores4 ThrdMax: 2.53 GHz2008
VS
Athlon II M320
2 Cores2 ThrdMax: 2.1 GHz2009
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