Athlon X2 QL-64 vs Pentium G2120T

AMD

Athlon X2 QL-64

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.1 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium G2120T

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WW2013
Similar parts
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Athlon X2 QL-64 vs Pentium G2120T Performance Spectrum

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.

Athlon X2 QL-64 vs Pentium G2120T 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.

Athlon X2 QL-64 vs Pentium G2120T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Athlon X2 QL-64

2009

Why buy it

  • Costs $37 less on MSRP ($50 MSRP vs $87 MSRP).
  • Delivers 74.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 32.3 vs 18.5 PassMark/$ ($50 MSRP vs $87 MSRP).
  • Draws 1W instead of 35W, a 34W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Pentium G2120T

2013

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,613 vs 1,614).
    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.5 vs 32.3 PassMark/$ ($87 MSRP vs $50 MSRP).
    • 3400% higher power demand at 35W vs 1W.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Athlon X2 QL-64 better than Pentium G2120T?
    Yes. Athlon X2 QL-64 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Athlon X2 QL-64 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon X2 QL-64 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Athlon X2 QL-64 is the better buy right now. Athlon X2 QL-64 comes in $37 cheaper on MSRP at $50 MSRP versus $87 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 74.1% better value on MSRP (32.3 vs 18.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Pentium G2120T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Athlon X2 QL-64 vs Pentium G2120T Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Athlon X2 QL-64

    The Athlon X2 QL-64 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Lion (2008−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,614 points. Launch price was $149.

    Intel

    Pentium G2120T

    The Pentium G2120T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,613 points. Launch price was $69.

    Processing Power

    Both the Athlon X2 QL-64 and Pentium G2120T share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. The Athlon X2 QL-64 is built on the Lion (2008−2009) architecture. In PassMark, the Athlon X2 QL-64 scores 1,614 against the Pentium G2120T's 1,613 — a 0.1% lead for the Athlon X2 QL-64. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon X2 QL-64 vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G2120T.

    FeatureAthlon X2 QL-64Pentium G2120T
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    2 / 2
    Boost Clock
    2.1 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.7 GHz
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    3 MB Intel® Smart Cache
    L2 Cache
    1 MB
    Process
    65 nm
    22 nm-66%
    Architecture
    Lion (2008−2009)
    PassMark
    1,614
    1,613
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Athlon X2 QL-64 uses the S1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G2120T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureAthlon X2 QL-64Pentium G2120T
    Socket
    S1
    LGA1155
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0
    PCIe 3.0+50%
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR2-667
    Max RAM Capacity
    8 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    0
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: AMD-V (Athlon X2 QL-64) / not specified (Pentium G2120T).

    FeatureAthlon X2 QL-64Pentium G2120T
    Integrated GPU
    No
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    AMD-V
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Athlon X2 QL-64 was priced at $50, while the Pentium G2120T came in at $87. On launch pricing ($50 vs $87), Athlon X2 QL-64 was $37 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon X2 QL-64 delivers 32.3 pts/$ vs 18.5 pts/$ for the Pentium G2120T — making the Athlon X2 QL-64 the 54.1% better value option.

    FeatureAthlon X2 QL-64Pentium G2120T
    MSRP
    $50-43%
    $87
    Performance per Dollar
    32.3+75%
    18.5
    Release Date
    2009
    2013

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