Core 2 Quad Q9000
CPU·Budget

Core 2 Quad Q9000

Intel

PassMark

1,597

MSRP

$348

AVG Price

$15

1 January 2009 (16 years ago)
45 Watt
Penryn (2008−2011)

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.

Overview

The Core 2 Quad Q9000 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,597 points. Launch price was $348.

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 Core 2 Quad Q9000

#63
Celeron Dual-Core T3000
MSRP: $80|Avg: $15
113%
#64
Athlon II M320
MSRP: $75|Avg: $15
112%
#65
Athlon II Neo K345
MSRP: $50|Avg: $10
112%
#66
Athlon II P320
MSRP: $50|Avg: $15
111%
#67
Celeron U3400
MSRP: $86|Avg: $5
108%
#68
Pentium Dual Core T4200
MSRP: $100|Avg: $10
108%
#69
Pentium 977
MSRP: $134|Avg: $10
108%
#70
Pentium N3520
MSRP: $100|Avg: $10
107%
#71
Core 2 Duo U7500
MSRP: $100|Avg: $10
105%
#72
Core i3-1115G4E
MSRP: $213|Avg: $47
105%
#73
Core Ultra 7 265HX
MSRP: $450|Avg: N/A
102%
#74
Core i3-350M
MSRP: $130|Avg: $10
102%
#75
Athlon II N370
MSRP: $60|Avg: $10
102%
#76
Athlon X2 QL-64
MSRP: $50|Avg: $15
101%
#77
Core i7-4700MQ
MSRP: $383|Avg: $50
100%
#78
Core 2 Quad Q9000
MSRP: $348|Avg: $15
100%
#79
Ryzen 5 230
MSRP: $200|Avg: $190
100%
#80
Celeron T3500
MSRP: $80|Avg: $10
99%
#81
Pentium T4200
MSRP: $99|Avg: $10
99%
#82
A12-9720P
MSRP: $200|Avg: $25
99%
#83
Core i7-4702MQ
MSRP: $383|Avg: $50
97%
#84
Pentium 957
MSRP: $134|Avg: $10
95%
#85
Core i7-3612QE
MSRP: $426|Avg: $50
93%
#86
Core 2 Solo SU3500
MSRP: $262|Avg: $15
92%
#87
Celeron 900
MSRP: $86|Avg: $5
91%
#88
Core i3-1220P
MSRP: $250|Avg: $150
91%
#89
3020e
MSRP: $100|Avg: $25
90%
#90
Pentium P6200
MSRP: $60|Avg: $25
90%
#91
Pentium T2330
MSRP: $150|Avg: $7
89%
#92
Celeron 560
MSRP: $89|Avg: $5
89%
#93
Core i7-2710QE
MSRP: $378|Avg: $40
88%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Quad Q9000 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

ARC Raiders

ARC Raiders

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
4k
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
4k
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra37 FPS
Destiny 2

Destiny 2

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra30 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra17 FPS
4k
low29 FPS
medium22 FPS
high15 FPS
ultra10 FPS
Honkai: Star Rail

Honkai: Star Rail

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
4k
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra37 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
4k
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
Left 4 Dead 2

Left 4 Dead 2

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
4k
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
4k
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra35 FPS
Phasmophobia

Phasmophobia

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
4k
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high32 FPS
ultra24 FPS
Project Zomboid

Project Zomboid

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
4k
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
Roblox

Roblox

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
4k
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Quad Q9000 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core 2 Quad Q9000 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 GHz from a base frequency of 2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 6 MB L2 Cache of L3 cache, plus 6 MB of L2 cache. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,597, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationCore 2 Quad Q9000
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designPenryn (2008−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores6 MB L2 Cache
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data6 MB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor107 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities410 Million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency1066 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
Core Voltage Range1.05V-1.175V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,597
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Quad Q9000 fits into the PGA478 socket and supports PCIe 1.1.

SpecificationCore 2 Quad Q9000
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Core 2 Quad
SocketMotherboard socket requiredPGA478
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 1.1
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Quad Q9000 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 Quad Q9000
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload45 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $348), the Core 2 Quad Q9000 delivers 106 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2750 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore 2 Quad Q9000
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$348
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$15
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$348
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2750
Release DateLaunch date1 January 2009 (16 years ago)
Release Year2009
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
SeriesIntel Core 2 Quad
DesignerIntel
Launch Price$348
Release Date1 January 2009 (16 years ago)
Architecture CodenamePenryn (2008−2011)
Performance Ranking Position2750

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores4
Threads4
Die Size107 mm2
L2 Cache6 MB
L3 Cache6 MB L2 Cache
Bus Speed1066 MHz
Max Frequency2 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency2 GHz
Transistor Count410 Million
Process Technology45 nm
Allowed Core Voltage1.05V-1.175V
Max Core Temperature100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible-

Compatibility

3 specs

SocketPGA478
PCIe GenerationPCIe 1.1
Power Consumption (TDP)45 Watt

Our Recommendation for Core 2 Quad Q9000

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Compare Core 2 Quad Q9000

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