A6-7470K vs Core 2 Quad Q9100

A6-7470K vs Core 2 Quad Q9100 Performance Spectrum

A6-7470K

2 / 2

1,799

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core 2 Quad Q9100

4 / 4

1,806

+0.4%

Core 2 Duo E4700

Core i5-430M

Celeron 1020E

Pentium Dual Core T2370

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.

A6-7470K vs Core 2 Quad Q9100 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A6-7470K vs Core 2 Quad Q9100: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A6-7470K

2016

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon R5 Graphics, while Core 2 Quad Q9100 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core 2 Quad Q9100.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,799 vs 1,806).
❌441.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 12W.

Core 2 Quad Q9100

2008

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 12W instead of 65W, a 53W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $14 MSRP, while A6-7470K mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while A6-7470K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A6-7470K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Quad Q9100 better than A6-7470K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A6-7470K is ahead with a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Quad Q9100 pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Quad Q9100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core 2 Quad Q9100 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Quad Q9100 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $14 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that A6-7470K is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (129.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A6-7470K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A6-7470K vs Core 2 Quad Q9100 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A6-7470K

The A6-7470K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 1,799 points. Launch price was $70.

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.

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Processing Power

The A6-7470K 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 4 GHz on the A6-7470K versus 2.26 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9100 — a 55.6% clock advantage for the A6-7470K (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The A6-7470K uses the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture (28 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q9100 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A6-7470K scores 1,799 against the Core 2 Quad Q9100's 1,806 — a 0.4% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q9100.

Feature	A6-7470K	Core 2 Quad Q9100
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	4 GHz+77%	2.26 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+64%	2.26 GHz
L3 Cache	—	0 kB
L2 Cache	1024 kB	6 MB (total)+500%
Process	28 nm-38%	45 nm
Architecture	Godaveri (2014−2016)	Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark	1,799	1,806

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Memory & Platform

The A6-7470K uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Quad Q9100 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2133 on the A6-7470K versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Quad Q9100 — the A6-7470K supports 100.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-7470K supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (A6-7470K) vs 0 (Core 2 Quad Q9100) — the A6-7470K offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	A6-7470K	Core 2 Quad Q9100
Socket	FM2+	PGA478
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+173%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	2133+100%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	0

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Advanced Features

Only the A6-7470K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (A6-7470K) vs VT-x (Core 2 Quad Q9100). The A6-7470K includes integrated graphics (Radeon R5 Graphics), while the Core 2 Quad Q9100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Quad Q9100 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: A6-7470K rivals Pentium G4400.