Performance comparison: which is faster?
Core i3-2120 (Intel, 2011) and Core 2 Quad Q9450 (Intel, 2008) are compared here. Compare not only scores, but also whether the motherboard can be reused and which GPU class is balanced with each CPU.
Overall performance: i3-2120 is about 6.7% faster
The sockets differ (LGA1155 / LGA775), so switching requires a motherboard replacement. For games, performance balance with the GPU (guideline CPU:GPU = 0.9:1) matters more than CPU speed alone.
Relative performance score (higher is faster). Actual speed varies by workload, cooling, and memory configuration.
| Item | i3-2120 | 2 Quad Q9450 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 3,200 | 3,000 |
| Generation | 2nd Gen | Core 2 |
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA775 |
| Release Year | 2011 | 2008 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Compatible GPU Example | Radeon HD 7850 | Radeon R7 360 |
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize maximum speed for heavy work or a high-end GPU | i3-2120 |
| Upgrade while reusing the current motherboard | Choose the CPU matching your motherboard socket |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | 2 Quad Q9450 (the lower model is often sufficient) |
i3-2120 is about 6.7% higher by score (i3-2120: 3200 points / 2 Quad Q9450: 3000 points). For gaming, the GPU tier usually matters more than a few percent of CPU difference. For CPU-heavy work such as video editing and streaming, choose the faster CPU.
i3-2120 is 2nd Gen, while 2 Quad Q9450 is Core 2.The sockets differ (LGA1155 / LGA775), so switching requires a motherboard replacement.
Using our CPU:GPU = 0.9:1 guideline, Radeon HD 7850 pairs well with i3-2120 and Radeon R7 360 pairs well with 2 Quad Q9450. If either GPU is too strong or too weak, one part holds the other back.
