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 Q9450 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: 12 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,208 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 Q9450 is positioned at rank #1049 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 Q9450

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

44594%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

42137%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

30595%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

9217%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

7301%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

6387%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

3658%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

3610%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

3287%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

3287%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

3250%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

3163%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

3118%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

3106%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

3078%

#1049

Core 2 Quad Q9450

MSRP: $316|Avg: $15

100%

#1050

Core 2 Duo E8600

MSRP: $200|Avg: $95

99%

#1051

Core 2 Duo E6320

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

98%

#1052

Core i7-980X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $150

98%

#1053

Athlon 64 X2 3600+

MSRP: $150|Avg: $10

97%

#1054

Core 2 Duo E6420

MSRP: $183|Avg: $10

97%

#1055

Pentium D 940

MSRP: $132|Avg: $15

95%

#1056

Phenom X4 9600B

MSRP: $278|Avg: $20

95%

#1057

Phenom II X3 B77

MSRP: $281|Avg: $35

94%

#1058

Core 2 Duo E6300

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

93%

#1059

Core 2 Duo E6400

MSRP: $183|Avg: $10

92%

#1060

Core 2 Duo E8300

MSRP: $163|Avg: $20

91%

#1061

Phenom X4 9500

MSRP: $247|Avg: $30

91%

#1062

Celeron D 352

MSRP: $69|Avg: $15

87%

#1063

Core i7-970

MSRP: $1083|Avg: $289

87%

#1064

Core i7-880

MSRP: $583|Avg: $40

84%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Quad Q9450 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Quad Q9450 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Quad Q9450 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 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 2,208, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q9450
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	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	1333 MHz
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Core Voltage Range	0.85V-1.3625V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,208

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Quad Q9450 fits into the LGA775 socket and supports PCIe 1.1. It supports DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 memory.

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q9450
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA775
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 1.1
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR1, DDR2, DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Quad Q9450 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 Q9450
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $316), the Core 2 Quad Q9450 delivers 147 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1049 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2504 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q9450
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$316
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$15
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$249
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1049
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2504
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2008
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel