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Overview

The Core 2 Quad Q8400 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 0.67 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,076 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 Q8400

#925

Celeron 2.20

MSRP: $79|Avg: $15

125%

#926

Athlon 64 X2 5400+

MSRP: $485|Avg: $78

125%

#927

Phenom II X6 1065T

MSRP: $426|Avg: $170

124%

#928

Pentium G850

MSRP: $86|Avg: $75

123%

#929

Ryzen 3 2200GE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

122%

#930

Pentium III 1200

MSRP: $200|Avg: $10

120%

#931

Pentium G3470

MSRP: $150|Avg: $130

116%

#932

Core i7-875K

MSRP: $353|Avg: $175

112%

#933

Athlon XP 2700+

MSRP: $349|Avg: $20

111%

#934

Core i5-6442EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

111%

#935

Core i7-4770TE

MSRP: $303|Avg: $303

102%

#936

Pentium G640T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $69

102%

#937

Athlon 64 2000+

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

102%

#938

Pentium 4 2.80

MSRP: $327|Avg: $25

101%

#939

Core i5-660

MSRP: $196|Avg: $150

100%

#940

Core 2 Quad Q8400

MSRP: $183|Avg: $128

100%

#941

Pentium G3240

MSRP: $89|Avg: $126

94%

#942

Core i3-2130

MSRP: $138|Avg: $138

92%

#943

Pentium 4 2.26

MSRP: $241|Avg: $20

91%

#944

Pentium 4 2.60

MSRP: $401|Avg: $25

90%

#945

Core 2 Quad Q9505

MSRP: $213|Avg: $150

89%

#946

Core 2 Duo E8600

MSRP: $200|Avg: $95

89%

#947

Pentium J4205

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

89%

#948

Phenom II X6 1075T

MSRP: $245|Avg: N/A

88%

#949

PRO A10-8770E

MSRP: $395|Avg: $210

88%

#950

Core i5-5675R

MSRP: $339|Avg: $392

87%

#951

Athlon XP 1700+

MSRP: $190|Avg: $15

87%

#952

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

MSRP: $4491|Avg: $4491

86%

#953

Athlon 64 FX-55

MSRP: $827|Avg: $50

85%

#954

Core i5-2390T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $182

84%

#955

Core i3-3225

MSRP: $172|Avg: $167

84%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Quad Q8400 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Quad Q8400 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Quad Q8400 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 0.67 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 4 MB (total) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,076, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 369, while multi-core reaches 1,155. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 852.

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q8400
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	0.67 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	4 MB (total)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	2x 82 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	2,076
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	852
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	369
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,155

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Quad Q8400 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 1333 MHz (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q8400
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 1333 MHz
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	Intel P45,Intel G41,Intel Q45,Intel X48,Intel G31
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core 2 Quad Q8400 is primarily designed for Desktop. Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q8400
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	true

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Quad Q8400 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. It ships with the true stock cooler.

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q8400
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	true

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $128 (MSRP: $183), the Core 2 Quad Q8400 delivers 16 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2554 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q8400
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$183
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$128
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$249
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2554
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$249
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	2008-01-01
Architecture Codename	Yorkfield (2007−2009)
Performance Ranking Position	2554

Technical Specifications

15 specs

Cores	4
Threads	4
Die Size	2x 82 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	4 MB (total)
L3 Cache	0 kB
Bus Speed	1333 MHz
Max Frequency	0.67 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.66 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