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 Quad Q8400 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 0.67 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,076 points. Launch price was $249.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core 2 Quad Q8400 is positioned at rank #975 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 Quad Q8400

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

27488%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

25974%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

18859%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

5681%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

4500%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

3937%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

2255%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

2225%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

2026%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

2026%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

2003%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1949%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1922%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1914%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1897%

#975

Core 2 Quad Q8400

MSRP: $183|Avg: $128

100%

#976

Pentium Dual-Core E2180

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

99%

#977

Pentium E2180

MSRP: $84|Avg: $15

99%

#978

Pentium Dual-Core E2140

MSRP: $74|Avg: $5

97%

#979

Core i7-960

MSRP: $309|Avg: $110

97%

#980

E1-1500

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

97%

#981

Core i5-2405S

MSRP: $309|Avg: $120

97%

#982

Celeron 420

MSRP: $39|Avg: $15

96%

#983

Athlon II X4 615e

MSRP: $186|Avg: $30

96%

#984

Athlon X2 BE-2350

MSRP: $90|Avg: $10

96%

#985

Core 2 Quad Q8300

MSRP: $179|Avg: $10

94%

#986

Core i7-860

MSRP: $284|Avg: $30

93%

#987

Core i7-870

MSRP: $300|Avg: $80

93%

#988

Athlon 64 X2 5000+

MSRP: $136|Avg: $42

92%

#989

Core i3-6102E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $35

92%

#990

Pentium Dual-Core E2160

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

92%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Quad Q8400 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Quad Q8400 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Quad Q8400 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 0.67 GHz from a base frequency of 2.66 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 4 MB (total) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,076, 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 369, while multi-core reaches 1,155. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 852.

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q8400
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	0.67 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.66 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	4 MB (total)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	2x 82 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	456 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	1333 MHz
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Core Voltage Range	0.85V-1.3625V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,076
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	852
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	369
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,155

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Quad Q8400 fits into the LGA775 socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3 1333 MHz (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q8400
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	0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR1, DDR2, DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3 1333 MHz
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	Intel P45,Intel G41,Intel Q45,Intel X48,Intel G31
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core 2 Quad Q8400 is primarily designed for Desktop. Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q8400
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	true

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Quad Q8400 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the true stock cooler.

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q8400
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	true

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $128 (MSRP: $183), the Core 2 Quad Q8400 delivers 16 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #975 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2554 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q8400
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$183
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$128
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$249
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#975
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2554
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel