
Phenom X4 9450e

Core 2 Solo SU3500
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 Phenom X4 9450e is positioned at rank 1093 and the Core 2 Solo SU3500 is on rank 1195, so the Phenom X4 9450e offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Phenom X4 9450e
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Solo SU3500
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Phenom X4 9450e | Core 2 Solo SU3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($430) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Agena (2007−2008) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Phenom X4 9450e | Core 2 Solo SU3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2792%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($430) | ✅ 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 Phenom X4 9450e and Core 2 Solo SU3500

Phenom X4 9450e
The Phenom X4 9450e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,455 points. Launch price was $149.

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 (2008−2011) 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.
Processing Power
The Phenom X4 9450e packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Solo SU3500 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Phenom X4 9450e has 3 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Phenom X4 9450e versus 1.4 GHz on the Core 2 Solo SU3500 — a 40% clock advantage for the Phenom X4 9450e. The Phenom X4 9450e uses the Agena (2007−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core 2 Solo SU3500 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom X4 9450e scores 1,455 against the Core 2 Solo SU3500's 1,468 — a 0.9% lead for the Core 2 Solo SU3500. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9450e vs 3 MB on the Core 2 Solo SU3500.
| Feature | Phenom X4 9450e | Core 2 Solo SU3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+300% | 1 / 1 |
| Boost Clock | 2.1 GHz+50% | 1.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | — | 1.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB (total) | 3 MB+50% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 3 MB+500% |
| Process | 65 nm | 45 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Agena (2007−2008) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,455 | 1,468 |
Memory & Platform
The Phenom X4 9450e uses the AM2+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Solo SU3500 uses BGA956 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Phenom X4 9450e | Core 2 Solo SU3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM2+ | BGA956 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
Value Analysis
The Phenom X4 9450e launched at $450 MSRP, while the Core 2 Solo SU3500 debuted at $262. At current prices ($430 vs $15), the Core 2 Solo SU3500 is $415 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Phenom X4 9450e delivers 3.4 pts/$ vs 97.9 pts/$ for the Core 2 Solo SU3500 — making the Core 2 Solo SU3500 the 186.6% better value option.
| Feature | Phenom X4 9450e | Core 2 Solo SU3500 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $450 | $262-42% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $430 | $15-97% |
| Performance per Dollar | 3.4 | 97.9+2779% |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2009 |
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