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. The Core 2 Quad Q9100 is positioned at rank #69 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Balanced cost-benefit for your build. 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

#15

Ryzen 5 220

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

97%

#18

Ryzen 5 8500G

MSRP: $179|Avg: $150

93%

#57

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

227%

#58

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

224%

#59

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

206%

#60

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

205%

#61

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

203%

#63

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

196%

#64

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

188%

#65

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

188%

#66

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

183%

#69

Core 2 Quad Q9100

MSRP: $14|Avg: $14

100%

#75

Core i3-4030U

MSRP: $281|Avg: N/A

97%

#79

Atom D2500

MSRP: $42|Avg: N/A

94%

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. It currently holds Rank #69 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#69
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2670
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2008
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel