CPU
GPU
Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE
Core 2 Extreme QX9770
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($70) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Picasso (2019−2022) / 12 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1908%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($70) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) |
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 Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE and Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE
The Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Picasso (2019−2022) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 4,633 points. Launch price was $149.
Core 2 Extreme QX9770
The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 12 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 136 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,611 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE versus 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE uses the Picasso (2019−2022) architecture (12 nm), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE scores 4,633 against the Core 2 Extreme QX9770's 4,611 — a 0.5% lead for the Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770.
| Feature | Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz+6% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+6% | 3.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 12 MB (total)+2300% |
| Process | 12 nm-73% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Picasso (2019−2022) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 4,633 | 4,611 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 2,200 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 451 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,583 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2667 on the Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE versus DDR3-1600 on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — the Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE) vs 16 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) — the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM4 (Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE) and X48,X38,P45 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770).
| Feature | Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2667+33% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+300% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 8 | 16+100% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE) / VT-x (Core 2 Extreme QX9770). The Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon Vega 3), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast.
| Feature | Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | AMD Radeon Vega 3 | — |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Enthusiast |
Value Analysis
The Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE launched at $108 MSRP, while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 debuted at $1399. At current prices ($70 vs $1399), the Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE is $1329 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE delivers 66.2 pts/$ vs 3.3 pts/$ for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — making the Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE the 181% better value option.
| Feature | Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $108-92% | $1399 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $70-95% | $1399 |
| Performance per Dollar | 66.2+1906% | 3.3 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2008 |
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