A4-3305M vs Core 2 Quad Q9100
A4-3305M
Core 2 Quad Q9100
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The A4-3305M is positioned at rank 691 and the Core 2 Quad Q9100 is on rank 69, so the Core 2 Quad Q9100 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A4-3305M
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q9100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A4-3305M | Core 2 Quad Q9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($14) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A4-3305M | Core 2 Quad Q9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($14) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of A4-3305M and Core 2 Quad Q9100
A4-3305M
The A4-3305M is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,812 points. Launch price was $50.
Core 2 Quad Q9100
The Core 2 Quad Q9100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.26 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,806 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The A4-3305M packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core 2 Quad Q9100 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9100 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the A4-3305M versus 2.26 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9100 — a 10.1% clock advantage for the A4-3305M (base: 1.9 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The A4-3305M uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q9100 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A4-3305M scores 1,812 against the Core 2 Quad Q9100's 1,806 — a 0.3% lead for the A4-3305M. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | A4-3305M | Core 2 Quad Q9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz+11% | 2.26 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.9 GHz | 2.26 GHz+19% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 6 MB (total)+1100% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Llano (2011−2012) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,812 | 1,806 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 276 | — |
Memory & Platform
The A4-3305M uses the FS1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Quad Q9100 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The A4-3305M supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (A4-3305M) vs 0 (Core 2 Quad Q9100) — the A4-3305M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | A4-3305M | Core 2 Quad Q9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FS1 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+100% | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A4-3305M) vs VT-x (Core 2 Quad Q9100). The A4-3305M includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6480G), while the Core 2 Quad Q9100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-3305M targets Budget Laptop, Core 2 Quad Q9100 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: A4-3305M rivals Pentium B950.
| Feature | A4-3305M | Core 2 Quad Q9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 6480G | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x |
| Target Use | Budget Laptop | Mobile |
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