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.

Overview

The Core 2 Quad Q9100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.26 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,806 points. Launch price was $249.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q9100

#36

Atom x5-E8000

MSRP: $18|Avg: N/A

139%

#37

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

132%

#38

Athlon II M300

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

132%

#39

Pentium P6300

MSRP: $80|Avg: $10

131%

#40

Pentium 967

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

127%

#41

Celeron M 575

MSRP: $86|Avg: $12

124%

#42

Core i7-4900MQ

MSRP: $570|Avg: $40

119%

#43

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

114%

#44

Ryzen 5 8500G

MSRP: $179|Avg: $150

111%

#45

Pentium Dual Core SU4100

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

109%

#46

Celeron B815

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

108%

#47

Pentium P6100

MSRP: $100|Avg: $16.39

106%

#48

Core 2 Duo U7700

MSRP: $262|Avg: $10

103%

#49

Ryzen 3 210

MSRP: $99|Avg: $99

103%

#50

Ryzen 5 PRO 230

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

102%

#51

Core 2 Quad Q9100

MSRP: $14|Avg: $14

100%

#52

FX-7500

MSRP: $100|Avg: $25

100%

#53

Pentium SU2700

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

98%

#54

Celeron M P4600

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

97%

#55

Celeron 887

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

97%

#56

Ryzen 5 220

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

97%

#57

Athlon 64 TF-20

MSRP: $50|Avg: $10

97%

#58

Athlon Neo X2 L325

MSRP: $100|Avg: $5

95%

#59

Pentium 997

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

94%

#60

A6 Pro-7050B

MSRP: $100|Avg: $15

94%

#61

Core 2 Duo T7100

MSRP: $197|Avg: $15

94%

#62

Core i5-3610ME

MSRP: $276|Avg: $22

93%

#63

Celeron Dual-Core T3000

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

93%

#64

Athlon II M320

MSRP: $75|Avg: $15

93%

#65

Athlon II Neo K345

MSRP: $50|Avg: $10

92%

#66

Athlon II P320

MSRP: $50|Avg: $15

92%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Quad Q9100 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Quad Q9100 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Quad Q9100 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.26 GHz from a base frequency of 2.26 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 6 MB (total) of L2 cache and 64 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,806, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q9100
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.26 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.26 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Penryn (2008−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	6 MB (total)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	2x 107 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	1066 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Core Voltage Range	1.05V-1.175V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,806

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Quad Q9100 fits into the PGA478 socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage.

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q9100
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Core 2 Quad
SocketMotherboard socket required	PGA478
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 1.1
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	0
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1066
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	8 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	2

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core 2 Quad Q9100 is primarily designed for Mobile. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q9100
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Mobile
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Quad Q9100 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q9100
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	45 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $14, the Core 2 Quad Q9100 delivers 129 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2670 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Quad Q9100
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$14
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$14
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$249
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2670
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2008
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

3 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Core 2 Quad
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$249
Release Date	2008-01-01
Architecture Codename	Penryn (2008−2011)
Performance Ranking Position	2670

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores	4
Threads	4
Die Size	2x 107 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)
L3 Cache	0 kB
Bus Speed	1066 MHz
Max Frequency	2.26 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.26 GHz
Process Technology	45 nm
Allowed Core Voltage	1.05V-1.175V
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-