Core 2 Quad Q9100 vs A8-5550M
Core 2 Quad Q9100
A8-5550M
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 Q9100 is positioned at rank 69 and the A8-5550M is on rank 692, so the Core 2 Quad Q9100 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 Q9100
Performance Per Dollar A8-5550M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9100 | A8-5550M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($14) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Richland (2013−2014) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9100 | A8-5550M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($14) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Q9100 and A8-5550M
Core 2 Quad Q9100
The Core 2 Quad Q9100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.26 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,806 points. Launch price was $249.
A8-5550M
The A8-5550M is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1r2. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,811 points. Launch price was $90.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Quad Q9100 and A8-5550M share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.26 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9100 versus 3.1 GHz on the A8-5550M — a 31.3% clock advantage for the A8-5550M (base: 2.26 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q9100 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the A8-5550M uses Richland (2013−2014) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q9100 scores 1,806 against the A8-5550M's 1,811 — a 0.3% lead for the A8-5550M. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9100 | A8-5550M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.26 GHz | 3.1 GHz+37% |
| Base Clock | 2.26 GHz+8% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB (total)+500% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Richland (2013−2014) |
| PassMark | 1,806 | 1,811 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Quad Q9100 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the A8-5550M uses FS1r2 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Quad Q9100 versus 1600 on the A8-5550M — the A8-5550M supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-5550M supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Quad Q9100) vs 16 (A8-5550M) — the A8-5550M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9100 | A8-5550M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | FS1r2 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | 1600+53233% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+52428700% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Quad Q9100) vs true (A8-5550M). The A8-5550M includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 8510G / 8550G), while the Core 2 Quad Q9100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Quad Q9100 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: A8-5550M rivals Core i3-4000M.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9100 | A8-5550M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Radeon HD 8510G / 8550G |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Mobile | — |
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