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 Q9300 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 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: 2,011 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 Core 2 Quad Q9300

#554

Core i5-4570TE

MSRP: $202|Avg: $40

104%

#555

Ryzen 5 3500X

MSRP: $155|Avg: $171

103%

#556

Core i9-14900

MSRP: $524|Avg: $589

103%

#557

Core i5-8600

MSRP: $213|Avg: $130

103%

#558

Core i3-9100TE

MSRP: $122|Avg: $60

103%

#559

Celeron G3930TE

MSRP: $42|Avg: $29

103%

#560

Core i5-12500T

MSRP: $302|Avg: $214

103%

#561

Athlon II X2 245e

MSRP: $87|Avg: $15

102%

#562

A8-7670K

MSRP: $118|Avg: $43

102%

#563

Phenom II X2 B53

MSRP: $150|Avg: $15

102%

#564

Athlon II X2 245

MSRP: $66|Avg: $15

102%

#565

Core i9-13900

MSRP: $549|Avg: $599

101%

#566

Core i7-11700

MSRP: $323|Avg: $274

101%

#567

A6-9500

MSRP: $101|Avg: $25

101%

#568

Core i9-13900T

MSRP: $549|Avg: $570

101%

#569

Core 2 Quad Q9300

MSRP: $266|Avg: $27

100%

#570

Processor 300T

MSRP: $82|Avg: $82

100%

#571

Athlon 3000G

MSRP: $49|Avg: $60

99%

#572

Athlon 220GE

MSRP: $65|Avg: $60

99%

#573

Ryzen 9 3900X

MSRP: $499|Avg: $441

99%

#574

Core 2 Duo E8700

MSRP: $256|Avg: $30

99%

#575

Core i7-4770R

MSRP: $360|Avg: $89

99%

#576

Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition

MSRP: $990|Avg: $175

99%

#577

Ryzen Threadripper 1950

MSRP: $999|Avg: $300

99%

#578

Ryzen 3 PRO 4350GE

MSRP: $149|Avg: N/A

99%

#579

Core i5-10500

MSRP: $200|Avg: $178

99%

#580

Celeron G6900T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $50

98%

#581

Core i9-10850K

MSRP: $453|Avg: $300

98%

#582

Pentium E5700

MSRP: $75|Avg: $15

98%

#583

Core i9-13900E

MSRP: $554|Avg: $554

98%

#584

Core i9-9820X

MSRP: $889|Avg: $280

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Quad Q9300 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Quad Q9300 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Quad Q9300 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 2.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 6 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 2,011, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q9300
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.5 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	6 MB (total)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	2x 81 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	2,011

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Quad Q9300 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 DDR3-1066 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q9300
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	DDR3-1066
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	P35,P45,X38,X48
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Quad Q9300 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.

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q9300
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $27 (MSRP: $266), the Core 2 Quad Q9300 delivers 74 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2586 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q9300
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$266
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$27
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$249
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2586
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2008
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.

4 categories

General Information

6 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$249
Release Date	2008-01-01
Architecture Codename	Yorkfield (2007−2009)
Performance Ranking Position	2586

Technical Specifications

15 specs

Cores	4
Threads	4
Die Size	2x 81 mm2
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)
L3 Cache	0 kB
Bus Speed	1333 MHz
Max Frequency	2.5 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.5 GHz
Transistor Count	456 million
Process Technology	45 nm
Allowed Core Voltage	0.85V-1.3625V
Windows 11 Compatible	-
Max Case Temperature (TCase)	71 °C