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. 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

#136

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX

MSRP: $429|Avg: $450

102%

#137

Core i7-4770T

MSRP: $250|Avg: $39

102%

#138

Pentium G4560T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $20

102%

#139

Core i7-930

MSRP: $294|Avg: $20

102%

#140

Core i9-9960X

MSRP: $1684|Avg: $200

102%

#141

Core Ultra 5 225T

MSRP: $240|Avg: $180

101%

#142

Ryzen 3 3300X

MSRP: $120|Avg: $90

101%

#143

Core i5-12600K

MSRP: $289|Avg: $185

101%

#144

Athlon X4 760K

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

101%

#145

Core Ultra 5 235

MSRP: $257|Avg: $269

101%

#146

Ryzen 7 5700

MSRP: $179|Avg: $164

101%

#147

Ryzen 5 PRO 2600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $90

101%

#148

Ryzen 3 4100

MSRP: $99|Avg: $75

100%

#149

FX-6100

MSRP: $165|Avg: $25

100%

#150

Ryzen 9 9900X

MSRP: $499|Avg: $370

100%

#151

Core 2 Quad Q9450

MSRP: $316|Avg: $15

100%

#152

Ryzen 5 7600

MSRP: $229|Avg: $185

99%

#153

Athlon X4 880K

MSRP: $95|Avg: $25

99%

#154

Core i5-4440S

MSRP: $182|Avg: $30

99%

#155

Core i5-2380P

MSRP: $177|Avg: $25

99%

#156

Core i5-14490F

MSRP: $209|Avg: $190

99%

#157

Core i5-12600KF

MSRP: $264|Avg: $190

99%

#158

Core i5-13600KF

MSRP: $249|Avg: $258

99%

#159

Ryzen Threadripper 1900X

MSRP: $549|Avg: $116

99%

#160

Athlon II X4 630

MSRP: $129|Avg: $15

99%

#161

Ryzen 5 5500GT

MSRP: $125|Avg: $130

98%

#162

Ryzen 7 PRO 4750G

MSRP: $309|Avg: $140

98%

#163

Ryzen 7 7700X

MSRP: $399|Avg: $249

97%

#164

Core i7-3970X

MSRP: $990|Avg: $60

97%

#165

Core i5-2450P

MSRP: $177|Avg: $30

97%

#166

Core i3-6100

MSRP: $125|Avg: $30

97%

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. 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
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2504
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	2504

Technical Specifications

15 specs

Cores	4
Threads	4
Die Size	2x 107 mm2
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	12 MB (total)
L3 Cache	0 kB
Bus Speed	1333 MHz
Max Frequency	2.67 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.66 GHz
Transistor Count	820 million
Process Technology	45 nm
Allowed Core Voltage	0.85V-1.3625V
Windows 11 Compatible	-
Max Case Temperature (TCase)	71 °C