Core 2 Quad Q9450 vs Pentium G3450

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 Q9450 vs Pentium G3450 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 Q9450 vs Pentium G3450: 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 Q9450

2008

Why buy it

✅+1.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.0 vs 26.6 PassMark/$ ($316 MSRP vs $82 MSRP).
❌75.9% higher power demand at 95W vs 54W.

Pentium G3450

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $234 less on MSRP ($82 MSRP vs $316 MSRP).
✅Delivers 280.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 26.6 vs 7.0 PassMark/$ ($82 MSRP vs $316 MSRP).
✅Draws 54W instead of 95W, a 41W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,182 vs 2,208).

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3450 better than Core 2 Quad Q9450?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium G3450 is ahead with a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Quad Q9450 pulls ahead with 1.2% better PassMark.

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 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Pentium G3450 is the better buy right now. Pentium G3450 comes in $234 cheaper on MSRP at $82 MSRP versus $316 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Quad Q9450 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.2% better PassMark. It is also 280.8% better value on MSRP (26.6 vs 7.0 PassMark/$), 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 G3450 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Quad Q9450 vs Pentium G3450 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Pentium G3450

The Pentium G3450 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,182 points. Launch price was $175.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Quad Q9450 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Pentium G3450 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9450 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9450 versus 3.3 GHz on the Pentium G3450 — a 21.1% clock advantage for the Pentium G3450 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q9450 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium G3450 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q9450 scores 2,208 against the Pentium G3450's 2,182 — a 1.2% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q9450. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9450 vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G3450.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9450	Pentium G3450
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.67 GHz	3.3 GHz+24%
Base Clock	2.66 GHz	3.4 GHz+28%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	12 MB (total)+4700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,208+1%	2,182

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Quad Q9450 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium G3450 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9450	Pentium G3450
Socket	LGA775	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Quad Q9450 was priced at $316, while the Pentium G3450 came in at $82. On launch pricing ($316 vs $82), Pentium G3450 was $234 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q9450 delivers 7.0 pts/$ vs 26.6 pts/$ for the Pentium G3450 — making the Pentium G3450 the 116.8% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q9450	Pentium G3450
MSRP	$316	$82-74%
Performance per Dollar	7.0	26.6+280%
Release Date	2008	2014

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