Celeron G5900T vs Core 2 Quad Q9450

Intel

Celeron G5900T

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WW2020
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core 2 Quad Q9450

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.67 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Celeron G5900T vs Core 2 Quad Q9450 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.

Celeron G5900T vs Core 2 Quad Q9450 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.

Celeron G5900T vs Core 2 Quad Q9450: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G5900T

2020

Why buy it

  • Costs $274 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $316 MSRP).
  • Delivers 646.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 52.2 vs 7.0 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $316 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 610, while Core 2 Quad Q9450 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,192 vs 2,208).

Core 2 Quad Q9450

2008

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.0 vs 52.2 PassMark/$ ($316 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).
    • 171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
    • No integrated graphics, while Celeron G5900T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Core 2 Quad Q9450 better than Celeron G5900T?
    Yes. Core 2 Quad Q9450 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Quad Q9450 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.5% 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, Core 2 Quad Q9450 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Core 2 Quad Q9450 is still the better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Quad Q9450 comes in 652.4% more expensive on MSRP at $316 MSRP versus $42 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G5900T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is so cheap, but its absolute performance tier is too low to be the better recommendation now. At roughly 2,192 PassMark with 2 cores and 2 threads, it only really makes sense as a bare-minimum stopgap or a very constrained existing-platform upgrade.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Celeron G5900T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Celeron G5900T vs Core 2 Quad Q9450 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Celeron G5900T

    The Celeron G5900T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 2,192 points. Launch price was $69.

    Intel

    Core 2 Quad Q9450

    The Core 2 Quad Q9450 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 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 12 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,208 points. Launch price was $249.

    Processing Power

    The Celeron G5900T packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core 2 Quad Q9450 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9450 has 2 more cores. The Core 2 Quad Q9450 is built on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron G5900T scores 2,192 against the Core 2 Quad Q9450's 2,208 — a 0.7% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q9450. L3 cache: 2 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Celeron G5900T vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9450.

    FeatureCeleron G5900TCore 2 Quad Q9450
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    4 / 4+100%
    Boost Clock
    2.67 GHz
    Base Clock
    3.2 GHz+20%
    2.66 GHz
    L3 Cache
    2 MB Intel® Smart Cache
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    12 MB (total)
    Process
    14 nm-69%
    45 nm
    Architecture
    Yorkfield (2007−2009)
    PassMark
    2,192
    2,208
    Geekbench 6 Single
    748
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    750
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Celeron G5900T uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Quad Q9450 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCeleron G5900TCore 2 Quad Q9450
    Socket
    LGA1200
    LGA775
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0+173%
    PCIe 1.1
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR4-2666
    Max RAM Capacity
    128 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    Yes
    PCIe Lanes
    16
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: VT-x (Celeron G5900T) / not specified (Core 2 Quad Q9450). The Celeron G5900T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 610), while the Core 2 Quad Q9450 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G5900T targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G5900T rivals Pentium Gold G6400T.

    FeatureCeleron G5900TCore 2 Quad Q9450
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    UHD Graphics 610
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x
    Target Use
    Budget
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Celeron G5900T was priced at $42, while the Core 2 Quad Q9450 came in at $316. On launch pricing ($42 vs $316), Celeron G5900T was $274 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G5900T delivers 52.2 pts/$ vs 7.0 pts/$ for the Core 2 Quad Q9450 — making the Celeron G5900T the 152.8% better value option.

    FeatureCeleron G5900TCore 2 Quad Q9450
    MSRP
    $42-87%
    $316
    Performance per Dollar
    52.2+646%
    7.0
    Release Date
    2020
    2008

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