Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400S

The Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400S is a 4-core, 4-thread desktop processor from the Core 2 generation, built on Intel's 45 nm process. It carries a 65 W TDP, runs at a base clock of 2.67 GHz, and uses the Intel Socket 775 interface. Released on January 17, 2009, it holds a 50th percentile rank across all CPUs in the database, placing it exactly at the median of the performance distribution. The data shows no recorded benchmark scores, so its standing rests on the percentile field and its intrinsic specifications.

Who Should Consider It

The Q9400S is designed for desktop workloads that benefit from four physical cores. With 4 threads and a 2.67 GHz base clock, it suits multi-threaded applications such as video encoding, batch photo processing, and compilation tasks that scale across cores. For gaming, the 4-core layout handles modern titles that expect at least four threads, though the lack of a boost clock means single-threaded performance is fixed at 2.67 GHz. Office productivity—word processing, spreadsheets, and web browsing—runs comfortably on this processor, as those tasks rarely stress more than one or two threads. The 50th percentile ranking indicates it is a mid-pack performer; users with heavy creation workloads will find it adequate, while those needing extreme multi-core throughput should look elsewhere in the database. Its end-of-life status means it is best suited for legacy systems or as an upgrade to existing Socket 775 platforms. The 6 MB shared L2 cache provides a generous buffer for data-heavy applications, reducing reliance on slower system memory. Because the multiplier is locked, users seeking overclocking flexibility will need to adjust base clocks, which is a more involved process.

Power and Thermals

The Q9400S has a TDP of 65 W, which is a modest power envelope for a quad-core processor. This low TDP class implies that a standard air cooler with a modest heatsink is sufficient; no exotic liquid cooling is required. The 45 nm process node and 456 million transistor count contribute to its efficiency, and the 2x 82 mm² die size indicates a dual-die design that still keeps thermal output within the 65 W envelope. Users should pair it with a cooler rated for at least 65 W, though no specific cooler rating is provided in the data. The low power draw makes it suitable for compact desktop cases or systems where noise is a concern, as the cooling fan can run at lower speeds. The absence of a boost clock means the processor never exceeds its base frequency, which keeps thermal output steady under load. This predictability simplifies thermal management for system integrators and hobbyists alike.

Platform and Compatibility

The Q9400S uses the Intel Socket 775, a widely adopted socket from the Core 2 era. It supports DDR1, DDR2, and DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, giving users flexibility in choosing memory modules based on their motherboard. The memory bus is dual-channel, though no bandwidth figure is provided. The processor supports PCIe Gen 2, which is sufficient for graphics cards and storage devices of that generation. Integrated graphics are available on certain motherboards as a chipset feature, meaning the CPU itself does not contain a GPU, but the platform can display output if the motherboard provides it. ECC memory is not supported, so error-correcting memory is off the table. The multiplier is locked, so overclocking via multiplier adjustment is not possible; users must rely on base clock adjustments. The part number is SLG9U, and it is end-of-life, so new units are not produced. The release date of January 17, 2009, places it in the late Core 2 era, and the upgrade path from this socket leads to other Socket 775 processors, though the database does not list specific successors.

How It Compares

The nearestRivals field in the database is empty for this processor, meaning no direct rival scores or deltaPct values are recorded. Consequently, a quantitative comparison against specific competing models is not possible from the provided data. However, its 50th percentile rank across all CPUs indicates that it sits at the exact median of the performance distribution. This means half of the CPUs in the database outperform it, and half underperform it. Without rival names or scores, the analysis must rely on its intrinsic specifications: 4 cores, 4 threads, and a 2.67 GHz base clock. Compared to dual-core processors of the same era, it would offer superior multi-threaded throughput, but compared to higher-core-count or higher-clocked CPUs, it would lag in single-threaded tasks. The lack of a boost clock means it cannot dynamically increase its frequency, which is a disadvantage against rivals that offer turbo capabilities. In the absence of specific rival data, the Q9400S stands as a balanced mid-range quad-core from its generation. The 65 W TDP is notably low for a quad-core, which may give it an efficiency advantage over rivals that draw more power, though no rival power figures are available to confirm this.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark data for the Q9400S shows an average benchmark score of 0, indicating that no recorded performance samples exist in the database. The percentileVsAllCpus field is 50, which positions it at the median of all CPUs in the database. This percentile is a derived ranking, not a score, but it tells us that the processor is neither a standout performer nor a laggard. Because the average score is 0, we cannot state any percentage deltas against rivals, as no rival scores are provided. The base clock of 2.67 GHz is the sole frequency figure, and with no boost clock, the processor operates at a fixed rate. In multi-threaded workloads, the 4 cores and 4 threads allow it to handle parallel tasks, but the lack of a boost clock limits peak performance in single-threaded scenarios. The 6 MB shared L2 cache is a substantial amount for the time, helping to reduce memory latency. The 45 nm process node and 456 million transistors indicate a mature design. The 2x 82 mm² die size shows two dies on the package. Without benchmark scores, the 50th percentile is the only quantitative performance indicator, and it suggests a typical mid-range desktop CPU of its era. The 4-thread configuration means it will handle four concurrent threads efficiently, but it will not benefit from more than 4 threads, a limitation for modern applications that exploit 8 or more threads.

FAQ

Q: What is the TDP of the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400S?

A: The TDP is 65 W, which is a low power envelope for a quad-core processor, implying modest cooling requirements.

Q: What socket does the Q9400S use?

A: It uses the Intel Socket 775, which is a common socket for Core 2 era desktop processors.

Q: What memory types does the Q9400S support?

A: It supports DDR1, DDR2, and DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration.

Q: Does the Q9400S have integrated graphics?

A: It does not have integrated graphics on the CPU itself; however, certain motherboards with a supporting chipset can provide graphics output.

Q: What is the process node of the Q9400S?

A: The process node is 45 nm, and the processor contains 456 million transistors.

Q: When was the Q9400S released?

A: It was released on January 17, 2009.

Q: Does the Q9400S support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked?

A: No, the multiplier is locked, so overclocking via multiplier changes is not possible.