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 Q9400 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 2.67 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: 2,160 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 Q9400 is positioned at rank #1003 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 Q9400

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

33056%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

31234%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

22679%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

6832%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

5412%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

4734%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

2712%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

2676%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

2437%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

2436%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

2409%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

2344%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

2311%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

2302%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

2281%

#1003

Core 2 Quad Q9400

MSRP: $229|Avg: $25

100%

#1004

Celeron 450

MSRP: $53|Avg: $5

99%

#1005

Core i5-655K

MSRP: $216|Avg: $55

99%

#1006

Core 2 Duo E4600

MSRP: $133|Avg: $9.6

99%

#1008

Core i7-870S

MSRP: $300|Avg: $80

98%

#1009

Core 2 Duo E6540

MSRP: $163|Avg: $15

97%

#1010

Celeron 430

MSRP: $49|Avg: $10

97%

#1011

Athlon X2 BE-2300

MSRP: $100|Avg: $80

96%

#1012

Core i7-875K

MSRP: $353|Avg: $175

95%

#1013

Core i5-670

MSRP: $284|Avg: $100

95%

#1014

Core i5-680

MSRP: $294|Avg: $10

94%

#1015

Core 2 Duo E4300

MSRP: $113|Avg: $5

94%

#1017

Core 2 Duo E4500

MSRP: $133|Avg: $10

93%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Quad Q9400 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Quad Q9400 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Quad Q9400 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 2.67 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 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 2,160, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q9400
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.67 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	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	2,160

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Quad Q9400 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 DDR3-1066 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 8 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q9400
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	DDR3-1066
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	8 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
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core 2 Quad Q9400 is primarily designed for Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q9400
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	VT-x

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Quad Q9400 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 Q9400
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $25 (MSRP: $229), the Core 2 Quad Q9400 delivers 86 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1003 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2522 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q9400
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$229
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$25
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$249
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1003
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2522
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2008
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel