Core 2 Quad Q9650 vs Core i7-930

	Core 2 Quad Q9650	Core i7-930
Category	Desktop	Desktop
Target	high-end	high-end
Socket Compatibility	LGA775	LGA1366
Integrated Graphics	None	None
Cooler Included	Yes	No
Overclock Potential	26 %	0 %
Year	2008 Model	2010 Model
Price	159.74 USD	80 USD
Number of Cores	4 Cores	4 Cores
Number of Threads	4 Threads	8 Threads
Core Frequency	3 GHz	2.8 GHz
Boost Frequency	3 GHz	3.06 GHz
Max Stable Overclock	3.8 GHz	3.1 GHz
Power Consumption	95 W	130 W
Manufacturing Process	45 nm	45 nm
L3 Cache	0 MB	8 MB
Maximum Supported Memory	16 GB	24 GB
Price-Value Score	61.6 %	90.2 %
Speed Score	33 %	0 %
Productivity Score	22 %	0 %
Gaming Score	63 %	0 %
Max 1080p Bottleneck	62.3 %	62.3 %
Max 1440p Bottleneck	31.1 %	31.1 %
Max 4K Bottleneck	15.6 %	15.6 %

A base clock speed of 3GHz propels the Core 2 Quad Q9650 to superior performance in the vast majority of applications. The Core i7-930 ascends with an excellent boost clock speed, ideal for gaming and single-thread tasks. The Core 2 Quad Q9650 sips power at just 95W, a testament to its efficiency. The Core i7-930 emerges as the fresher warrior, recently forged in the tech forges.

Core 2 Quad Q9650

Pros

• Embark on your quests with a CPU Cooler included, sparing you from extra expenses of $25-$90.

Cons

• It's got the average multitasking mojo, not quite ready for a boss fight.
• Base clock speed's more of a slow stroll than a sprint.
• All-core boost speed's not breaking any speedrun records.
• The manufacturing process for thermals is like running on last-gen graphics.
• In tech years, it's starting to feel like a retro game.
• General gaming performance? Don't expect to play on ultra settings.

Core i7-930

Pros

• Ready your coins, $80 is a price that's hard to beat in the marketplace.

Cons

• Base clock speed's more of a slow stroll than a sprint.
• Boost clock speed's just enough to keep up with the main quest.
• It's guzzling power at 130W like a thirsty dragon.
• The manufacturing process for thermals is like running on last-gen graphics.
• In tech years, it's starting to feel like a retro game.
• No CPU Cooler in the box means shelling out an extra $25 to $90 for a cool rig.