Core 2 Solo SU3500 vs Pentium G645

Intel

Core 2 Solo SU3500

1 Cores1 Thrd3 WWMax: 1.4 GHz2009
VS
Intel

Pentium G645

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2012

Core 2 Solo SU3500 vs Pentium G645 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.

Core 2 Solo SU3500 vs Pentium G645 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 Solo SU3500 vs Pentium G645: 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 Solo SU3500

2009

Why buy it

  • βœ…+1.2% higher PassMark.
  • βœ…Draws 3W instead of 65W, a 62W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.6 vs 18.1 PassMark/$ ($262 MSRP vs $80 MSRP).

Pentium G645

2012

Why buy it

  • βœ…Costs $182 less on MSRP ($80 MSRP vs $262 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 223.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.1 vs 5.6 PassMark/$ ($80 MSRP vs $262 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (1,450 vs 1,468).
  • ❌2066.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 3W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G645 better than Core 2 Solo SU3500?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium G645 is ahead with a 1.3% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Solo SU3500 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 Solo SU3500 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Pentium G645 is the better buy right now. Pentium G645 comes in $182 cheaper on MSRP at $80 MSRP versus $262 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Solo SU3500 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.2% better PassMark. It is also 223.5% better value on MSRP (18.1 vs 5.6 PassMark/$), 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 G645 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Solo SU3500 vs Pentium G645 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core 2 Solo SU3500

The Core 2 Solo SU3500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008βˆ’2011) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 1.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 5.5 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,468 points. Launch price was $262.

Intel

Pentium G645

The Pentium G645 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011βˆ’2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,450 points. Launch price was $80.

⚑

Processing Power

The Core 2 Solo SU3500 packs 1 cores / 1 threads, while the Pentium G645 offers 2 cores / 2 threads β€” the Pentium G645 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 1.4 GHz on the Core 2 Solo SU3500 versus 2.9 GHz on the Pentium G645 β€” a 69.8% clock advantage for the Pentium G645 (base: 1.3 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core 2 Solo SU3500 uses the Penryn (2008βˆ’2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium G645 uses Sandy Bridge (2011βˆ’2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Solo SU3500 scores 1,468 against the Pentium G645's 1,450 β€” a 1.2% lead for the Core 2 Solo SU3500. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core 2 Solo SU3500 vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G645.

FeatureCore 2 Solo SU3500Pentium G645
Cores / Threads
1 / 1
2 / 2+100%
Boost Clock
1.4 GHz
2.9 GHz+107%
Base Clock
1.3 GHz
2.9 GHz+123%
L3 Cache
3 MB
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
3 MB+1100%
256 kB (per core)
Process
45 nm
32 nm-29%
Architecture
Penryn (2008βˆ’2011)
Sandy Bridge (2011βˆ’2013)
PassMark
1,468+1%
1,450
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Solo SU3500 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium G645 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore 2 Solo SU3500Pentium G645
Socket
BGA956
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Solo SU3500 was priced at $262, while the Pentium G645 came in at $80. On launch pricing ($262 vs $80), Pentium G645 was $182 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Solo SU3500 delivers 5.6 pts/$ vs 18.1 pts/$ for the Pentium G645 β€” making the Pentium G645 the 105.5% better value option.

FeatureCore 2 Solo SU3500Pentium G645
MSRP
$262
$80-69%
Performance per Dollar
5.6
18.1+223%
Release Date
2009
2012

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.