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 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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is positioned at rank #1088 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 Core 2 Extreme QX9770

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

94459%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

89255%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

64806%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

19523%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

15465%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

13528%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

7748%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

7647%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

6963%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

6962%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

6885%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

6699%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

6605%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

6578%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

6519%

#1088

Core 2 Extreme QX9770

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $1399

100%

#1089

Athlon 64 X2 5600+

MSRP: $505|Avg: $15

100%

#1090

Athlon 64 2000+

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

100%

#1091

Athlon 64 X2 5400+

MSRP: $485|Avg: $78

99%

#1092

Celeron 2.30

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

98%

#1093

Phenom X4 9450e

MSRP: $450|Avg: $430

98%

#1094

Athlon 64 X2 3800+

MSRP: $354|Avg: $20

94%

#1095

Athlon 64 3000+

MSRP: $149|Avg: $10

92%

#1096

Athlon XP 3100+

MSRP: $150|Avg: $20

86%

#1097

Athlon 64 3300+

MSRP: $200|Avg: $200

79%

#1098

Athlon 64 2800+

MSRP: $178|Avg: $15

72%

#1099

Athlon 64 3700+

MSRP: $272|Avg: $20

69%

#1100

Athlon 64 FX-72

MSRP: $799|Avg: $40

68%

#1101

Athlon 64 X2 4200+

MSRP: $581|Avg: $110

65%

#1102

Athlon 64 3500+

MSRP: $272|Avg: $10

64%

#1103

Pentium D 830

MSRP: $316|Avg: $20

59%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Extreme QX9770 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Extreme QX9770 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.2 GHz from a base frequency of 3.2 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 (total) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,611, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 451, while multi-core reaches 1,583. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 2,200.

Specification	Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Yorkfield (2007−2009)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	12 MB (total)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	2x 107 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	820 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	1600 MHz
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
Core Voltage Range	0.85V-1.3625V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	4,611
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	2,200
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	451
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,583

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 fits into the LGA775 socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Core 2 Extreme QX9770
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA775
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 1.1
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR1, DDR2, DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	X48,X38,P45
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is primarily designed for Enthusiast. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Enthusiast
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 136 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Tower 120mm.

Specification	Core 2 Extreme QX9770
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	136 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Tower 120mm

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $1,399, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 delivers 3 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1088 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1928 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Extreme QX9770
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$1399
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$1399
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$249
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1088
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1928
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2008
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel