Core 2 Quad Q8300 vs Pentium G2130

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.

Core 2 Quad Q8300 vs Pentium G2130 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.

Core 2 Quad Q8300 vs Pentium G2130: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core 2 Quad Q8300

2008

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.7 vs 25.5 PassMark/$ ($179 MSRP vs $75 MSRP).
❌72.7% higher power demand at 95W vs 55W.

Pentium G2130

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $104 less on MSRP ($75 MSRP vs $179 MSRP).
✅Delivers 138.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.5 vs 10.7 PassMark/$ ($75 MSRP vs $179 MSRP).
✅Draws 55W instead of 95W, a 40W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,915 vs 1,917).

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G2130 better than Core 2 Quad Q8300?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium G2130 is ahead with a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Quad Q8300 pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Quad Q8300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Pentium G2130 is the better buy right now. Pentium G2130 comes in $104 cheaper on MSRP at $75 MSRP versus $179 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Quad Q8300 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 138.4% better value on MSRP (25.5 vs 10.7 PassMark/$), 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 G2130 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Quad Q8300 vs Pentium G2130 Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Quad Q8300

The Core 2 Quad Q8300 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: 4 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,917 points. Launch price was $249.

Pentium G2130

The Pentium G2130 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3072 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,915 points. Launch price was $90.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Quad Q8300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Pentium G2130 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q8300 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q8300 versus 3.2 GHz on the Pentium G2130 — a 24.6% clock advantage for the Pentium G2130 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q8300 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium G2130 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q8300 scores 1,917 against the Pentium G2130's 1,915 — a 0.1% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q8300. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q8300 vs 3072 kB (total) on the Pentium G2130.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q8300	Pentium G2130
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz	3.2 GHz+28%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.2 GHz+28%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3072 kB (total)
L2 Cache	4 MB (total)+1500%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	1,917	1,915

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Quad Q8300 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium G2130 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q8300	Pentium G2130
Socket	LGA775	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Quad Q8300 was priced at $179, while the Pentium G2130 came in at $75. On launch pricing ($179 vs $75), Pentium G2130 was $104 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q8300 delivers 10.7 pts/$ vs 25.5 pts/$ for the Pentium G2130 — making the Pentium G2130 the 81.8% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q8300	Pentium G2130
MSRP	$179	$75-58%
Performance per Dollar	10.7	25.5+138%
Release Date	2008	2013

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