Core i5-2450M vs Core 2 Extreme X9100
Core i5-2450M
Core 2 Extreme X9100
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 i5-2450M is positioned at rank 1100 and the Core 2 Extreme X9100 is on rank 277, so the Core 2 Extreme X9100 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2450M
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Extreme X9100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2450M | Core 2 Extreme X9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($225) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($851) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn XE (2008) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2450M | Core 2 Extreme X9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+281%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($225) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($851) |
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 i5-2450M and Core 2 Extreme X9100
Core i5-2450M
The Core i5-2450M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,076 points. Launch price was $823.
Core 2 Extreme X9100
The Core 2 Extreme X9100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 July 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn XE (2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 0.07 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 44 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,063 points. Launch price was $851.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2450M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Extreme X9100's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-2450M versus 0.07 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme X9100 — a 191.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-2450M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.06 GHz). The Core i5-2450M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Extreme X9100 uses Penryn XE (2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2450M scores 2,076 against the Core 2 Extreme X9100's 2,063 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-2450M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2450M vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme X9100.
| Feature | Core i5-2450M | Core 2 Extreme X9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz+4329% | 0.07 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.06 GHz+22% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 6 MB+2300% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Penryn XE (2008) |
| PassMark | 2,076 | 2,063 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 1,352 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 453 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 871 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2450M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Extreme X9100 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-2450M | Core 2 Extreme X9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i5-2450M) / not specified (Core 2 Extreme X9100). The Core i5-2450M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core 2 Extreme X9100 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2450M rivals AMD A8-3500M.
| Feature | Core i5-2450M | Core 2 Extreme X9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-2450M launched at $225 MSRP, while the Core 2 Extreme X9100 debuted at $851.
| Feature | Core i5-2450M | Core 2 Extreme X9100 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225-74% | $851 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2008 |
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