Core 2 Quad Q9650

Details and Benchmarks for Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650

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Benchmark Results

Combined benchmark scores based on multiple data points, giving a quick overview of this processor's performance.


Overall Score

Overall score for Core 2 Quad Q9650 based on all benchmark results gathered. Look at this like a meta score, you will find more specific workload ratings below.

4,303 Rank: 1527
Rank Name Score Visual
1523 A6-5400K 4,305
+0%
1524 Pentium 4405U 4,304
+0%
1525 Athlon II X4 635 4,304
+0%
1526 Phenom II N660 4,303
+0%
1527 Core 2 Quad Q9650 4,303
1528 Pentium E5800 4,302
+-0%
1529 Pentium E6500 4,301
+-0%
1530 A8-5500 4,299
-0.1%
1531 Celeron G1620T 4,299
-0.1%
1532 A10-5750M 4,298
-0.1%

View full ranking →


Multicore Score

Multicore performance score for Core 2 Quad Q9650 based on multi-threaded benchmark results.

4,266 Rank: 1859
Rank Name Score Visual
1855 Core M-5Y51 4,267
+0%
1856 Pentium T4400 4,267
+0%
1857 Core 2 Duo P8800 4,266
+0%
1858 Atom N2800 4,266
+0%
1859 Core 2 Quad Q9650 4,266
1860 Athlon 64 X2 5600+ 4,266
+0%
1861 A4-9120 4,265
+-0%
1862 Core 2 Duo P9400 4,265
+-0%
1863 Opteron 144 4,265
+-0%
1864 Core i3-2365M 4,264
+-0%

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Singlecore Score

Single-core performance score for Core 2 Quad Q9650 based on single-threaded benchmark results.

4,328 Rank: 1466
Rank Name Score Visual
1462 Core i5-3317U 4,332
+0.1%
1463 Pentium E5700 4,332
+0.1%
1464 Phenom II X4 840 4,330
+0%
1465 Phenom II X4 840T 4,330
+0%
1466 Core 2 Quad Q9650 4,328
1467 A12-9720P 4,326
+-0%
1468 Core 2 Duo E8500 4,326
+-0%
1469 A8-5500B 4,324
-0.1%
1470 A6-6400K 4,323
-0.1%
1471 Phenom II X6 1045T 4,321
-0.2%

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Workload Scores

Performance scores grouped by workload type, normalized and aggregated from multiple raw benchmark results.


Number Crunching

Aggregated score for Core 2 Quad Q9650 based on integer math, floating point math, and prime number computation benchmarks.

-- Rank: --

Number Crunching score not yet available.

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Data Processing

Aggregated score for Core 2 Quad Q9650 based on data encryption, data compression, and string sorting benchmarks.

-- Rank: --

Data Processing score not yet available.

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Physics & Compute

Aggregated score for Core 2 Quad Q9650 based on physics simulation and extended instruction set (SSE/AVX) benchmarks.

-- Rank: --

Physics & Compute score not yet available.

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Core 2 Quad Q9650 Details

Built on Intel's Yorkfield architecture at a 45 nm process, the Core 2 Quad Q9650 represents a significant step in multi-core desktop computing from the late 2000s. Released in August 2008, this processor is now over 15 years old, placing it firmly in the category of legacy hardware. Despite its age, the Q9650 remains notable for its four cores and 3.0 GHz base clock, offering a level of performance that was competitive for its time. The chip is manufactured using 820 million transistors and features a dual-die design, with each die housing two cores, resulting in a total L2 cache of 5.722 MiB. The processor operates at a TDP of 95 W, which was relatively high for its era, necessitating adequate cooling solutions.

The Core 2 Quad Q9650 is designed for Socket 775 motherboards, supporting DDR1, DDR2, and DDR3 memory types via a dual-channel interface. While the CPU itself does not include integrated graphics, certain compatible chipsets provided this capability, allowing for a discreet computing solution. The processor lacks simultaneous multithreading, meaning it supports four threads but does not use SMT technology. It does, however, support a range of instruction sets including MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSE4.1, and hardware virtualization via VT-x, enhancing its versatility in both productivity and virtualization tasks.

In benchmark testing, the Q9650 achieves an Overall Score of 4303, ranking #1526 out of 2060 processors. Its Singlecore Score stands at 4328, placing it #1466, while its Multicore Score reaches 4266, ranking #1857. This performance places the Q9650 in the lower tier of modern benchmarking results, significantly behind contemporary processors such as the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX or Core Ultra 9 285K. While it outperforms some older dual-core CPUs, its multicore efficiency and single-threaded speed are now limited by advancements in architecture and process technology.

The processor's strongest attribute is its balanced multicore performance, though its single-core score is more competitive relative to its age. However, its performance is now largely outpaced by modern CPUs, especially in workloads that benefit from higher clock speeds and advanced instruction sets. As of March 2026, the Core 2 Quad Q9650 is best suited for legacy systems, retro computing projects, or basic desktop use where high performance is not required. Its 95 W TDP and lack of modern features make it unsuitable for modern gaming or intensive multitasking environments.
Frequently Compared

Intel Core i7-6700TE 6 views


Intel Celeron G530 5 views


Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 3 views


AMD A10-4600M 3 views


AMD A10-7400P 3 views


AMD A6-3620 3 views


AMD Phenom 9650 3 views


AMD A10-5757M 3 views


AMD A6-5400K 3 views


AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X 3 views


Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650

Main Specifications

Designer: Intel
Name: Core 2 Quad Q9650
Cores: 4
Threads: 4
Base Frequency: 3000 MHz
Clock Multiplier: 9x (locked)
Core Name: Yorkfield
Socket: Socket 775
Package: FC-LGA6
Target Segment: Desktop
TDP: 95 W

Cache Specifications

L1 Cache: 62.464 KiB
L2 Cache: 5.722 MiB

Memory Specifications

Supported Memory Type: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3

Physical Specifications

Process: 45 nm
Die Area: 107 mm²
Transistor Count: 0.00 billion
Manufacturer: Intel

CPU Features

MMX SSE SSE2 SSE3 SSE4.1 EIST TXT VT-x

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