CPU
GPU
Pentium G3450
Core 2 Quad Q9450
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 Pentium G3450 is positioned at rank 649 and the Core 2 Quad Q9450 is on rank 1049, so the Pentium G3450 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G3450
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q9450
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Pentium G3450 | Core 2 Quad Q9450 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($25) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Pentium G3450 | Core 2 Quad Q9450 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+69%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($25) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
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 Pentium G3450 and Core 2 Quad Q9450
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.
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.
Processing Power
The Pentium G3450 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core 2 Quad Q9450 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9450 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Pentium G3450 versus 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9450 — a 21.1% clock advantage for the Pentium G3450 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Pentium G3450 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q9450 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium G3450 scores 2,182 against the Core 2 Quad Q9450's 2,208 — a 1.2% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q9450. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G3450 vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9450.
| Feature | Pentium G3450 | Core 2 Quad Q9450 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz+24% | 2.67 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+28% | 2.66 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 12 MB (total)+4700% |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 2,182 | 2,208+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Pentium G3450 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Quad Q9450 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Pentium G3450 | Core 2 Quad Q9450 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
Value Analysis
The Pentium G3450 launched at $82 MSRP, while the Core 2 Quad Q9450 debuted at $316. At current prices ($25 vs $15), the Core 2 Quad Q9450 is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium G3450 delivers 87.3 pts/$ vs 147.2 pts/$ for the Core 2 Quad Q9450 — making the Core 2 Quad Q9450 the 51.1% better value option.
| Feature | Pentium G3450 | Core 2 Quad Q9450 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $82-74% | $316 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $25 | $15-40% |
| Performance per Dollar | 87.3 | 147.2+69% |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2008 |
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