A8-6500T vs Core 2 Quad Q9300
A8-6500T
Core 2 Quad Q9300
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 A8-6500T is positioned at rank 557 and the Core 2 Quad Q9300 is on rank 1039, so the A8-6500T offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A8-6500T
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q9300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A8-6500T | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($27) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Richland (2013−2014) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A8-6500T | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($27) |
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 A8-6500T and Core 2 Quad Q9300
A8-6500T
The A8-6500T 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. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,983 points. Launch price was $90.
Core 2 Quad Q9300
The Core 2 Quad Q9300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,011 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
Both the A8-6500T and Core 2 Quad Q9300 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the A8-6500T versus 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9300 — a 21.4% clock advantage for the A8-6500T (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The A8-6500T uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A8-6500T scores 1,983 against the Core 2 Quad Q9300's 2,011 — a 1.4% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q9300.
| Feature | A8-6500T | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz+24% | 2.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.5 GHz+19% |
| L3 Cache | — | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 4096 kB | 6 MB (total)+50% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Richland (2013−2014) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 1,983 | 2,011+1% |
Memory & Platform
The A8-6500T uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A8-6500T versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Quad Q9300 — the A8-6500T supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-6500T supports up to 64 of RAM compared to 16 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: FM2 (A8-6500T) and P35,P45,X38,X48 (Core 2 Quad Q9300).
| Feature | A8-6500T | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FM2 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1866+62100% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 | 16 GB+26214300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (A8-6500T) / not specified (Core 2 Quad Q9300). The A8-6500T includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 8550D), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: A8-6500T rivals Core i3-3220T.
| Feature | A8-6500T | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 8550D | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on A8-6500T and Core 2 Quad Q9300
