A8-5550M vs Core 2 Quad Q9100
A8-5550M
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 A8-5550M is positioned at rank 692 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 A8-5550M
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q9100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A8-5550M | 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 (Richland (2013−2014) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A8-5550M | 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 A8-5550M and Core 2 Quad Q9100
A8-5550M
The A8-5550M is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1r2. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,811 points. Launch price was $90.
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
Both the A8-5550M and Core 2 Quad Q9100 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the A8-5550M versus 2.26 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9100 — a 31.3% clock advantage for the A8-5550M (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The A8-5550M uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q9100 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A8-5550M scores 1,811 against the Core 2 Quad Q9100's 1,806 — a 0.3% lead for the A8-5550M. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | A8-5550M | Core 2 Quad Q9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz+37% | 2.26 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.26 GHz+8% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 6 MB (total)+500% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Richland (2013−2014) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,811 | 1,806 |
Memory & Platform
The A8-5550M uses the FS1r2 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 1600 on the A8-5550M versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Quad Q9100 — the A8-5550M supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-5550M supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (A8-5550M) vs 0 (Core 2 Quad Q9100) — the A8-5550M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | A8-5550M | Core 2 Quad Q9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FS1r2 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+53233% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 8 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (A8-5550M) vs VT-x (Core 2 Quad Q9100). The A8-5550M includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 8510G / 8550G), while the Core 2 Quad Q9100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Quad Q9100 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: A8-5550M rivals Core i3-4000M.
| Feature | A8-5550M | Core 2 Quad Q9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 8510G / 8550G | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Mobile |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on A8-5550M and Core 2 Quad Q9100
