Core 2 Quad Q9000 vs Pentium G2120T
Core 2 Quad Q9000
Pentium G2120T
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 Core 2 Quad Q9000 is positioned at rank 1216 and the Pentium G2120T is on rank 824, so the Pentium G2120T offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q9000
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G2120T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9000 | Pentium G2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9000 | Pentium G2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+52%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
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 Core 2 Quad Q9000 and Pentium G2120T
Core 2 Quad Q9000
The Core 2 Quad Q9000 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,597 points. Launch price was $348.
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
The Core 2 Quad Q9000 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Pentium G2120T offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9000 has 2 more cores. The Core 2 Quad Q9000 is built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q9000 scores 1,597 against the Pentium G2120T's 1,613 — a 1% lead for the Pentium G2120T. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Quad Q9000 vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G2120T.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9000 | Pentium G2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2 GHz | — |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.7 GHz+35% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB L2 Cache+100% | 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB | — |
| Process | 45 nm | 22 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | — |
| PassMark | 1,597 | 1,613+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Quad Q9000 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium G2120T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9000 | Pentium G2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Quad Q9000 launched at $348 MSRP, while the Pentium G2120T debuted at $87. At current prices ($15 vs $10), the Pentium G2120T is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q9000 delivers 106.5 pts/$ vs 161.3 pts/$ for the Pentium G2120T — making the Pentium G2120T the 41% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9000 | Pentium G2120T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $348 | $87-75% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15 | $10-33% |
| Performance per Dollar | 106.5 | 161.3+51% |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2013 |
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