Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550s vs Intel Core i3-540. Specifications, performance, tests

Comprehensive background on the processors being compared, detailing their series, generation, and targeted market segment.

• Segment
  Desktop Desktop / Server
• Family
  Intel Core2 Duo Intel Core i3
• Generation
  2 1
• CPU group
  Intel Core 2 Quad Q8000/Q9000 Intel Core i 500
• Predecessor
  No --
• Successor
  No --

Essential parameters including the number of cores, threads, base and turbo frequencies, and cache size. These metrics provide insight into the processor’s speed—higher values generally indicate better performance.

• Frequency
  2.83 GHz 3.06 GHz
• Turbo (1 Core)
  No No turbo
• Turbo (2 Cores)
  No turbo No turbo
• Hyperthreading
  No Yes
• Overclocking
  No No
• Core architecture
  normal normal

Overview of the types and quantities of RAM supported by Intel Core i3-540 and Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550s. The supported memory frequencies may vary depending on the motherboard configuration.

• Memory type
  DDR2-800 / DDR3-1066 DDR3-1066DDR3-1333
• Max. Memory
  16 GB
• ECC
  No Yes
• Memory channels
  2 2
• PCIe
  No data 2.0 x 16

Analyze the TDP (Thermal Design Power) requirements of Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550s and Intel Core i3-540 to make an informed decision on the appropriate cooling system. Remember that TDP refers to thermal watts, not electrical watts.

• TDP (PL1)
  65 W 73 W
• TDP up
  No --
• TDP (PL2)
  No --
• TDP down
  No --
• Tjunction max.
  80 °C --

Information on architecture, interfaces, and additional instructions supported by Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550s and Intel Core i3-540, including virtual machine technologies and fabrication processes.

• Instruction set (ISA)
  x86-64 (64 bit) x86-64 (64 bit)
• Virtualization
  VT-x, VT-d VT-x, VT-x EPT
• ISA extensions
  MMX, SSE2, SSE3, SSE4.1 SSE4.1, SSE4.2
• L2-Cache
  12.00 MB --
• L3-Cache
  No 4.00 MB
• Architecture
  Yorkfield Clarkdale
• Technology
  45 nm 32 nm
• Socket
  LGA 775 LGA 1156
• Release date
  Q1/2008 Q1/2010