Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450

The Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 brings 4 cores and 8 threads. Clocks run from 2.66GHz base to 2.66GHz boost. It drops into the LGA775 socket with a 95W TDP — about 23.8W per core. Confirm motherboard socket compatibility before anything else, then size the cooler to the TDP.

At $109.95 it sits in the budget processor bracket. Use the PlanMyPC system builder to verify it works alongside your other components and to watch live retailer pricing. Support and warranty service run through Intel, with terms that vary by region. The full specification sheet below breaks out every listed detail, and the compatibility checker flags conflicts with parts already in your build.