3015e vs Athlon X4 740

AMD

3015e

2 Cores4 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.3 GHz2020
Similar parts
·······
VS
AMD

Athlon X4 740

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2012
Similar parts
·······

3015e vs Athlon X4 740 Performance Spectrum

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.

3015e vs Athlon X4 740 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

3015e vs Athlon X4 740: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

3015e

2020

Why buy it

  • Draws 1W instead of 65W, a 64W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Vega 3, while Athlon X4 740 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon X4 740 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (2,618 vs 2,646).

Athlon X4 740

2012

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +8.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • 100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $71 MSRP, while 3015e mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 6400% higher power demand at 65W vs 1W.
  • No integrated graphics, while 3015e can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon X4 740 better than 3015e?
Yes. Athlon X4 740 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Athlon X4 740 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon X4 740 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon X4 740 is the better buy right now. Athlon X4 740 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $71 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (37.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
3015e makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

3015e vs Athlon X4 740 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

3015e

The 3015e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Pollock (Zen) (2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FT5. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB + 4 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,618 points. Launch price was $50.

AMD

Athlon X4 740

The Athlon X4 740 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 2,646 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The 3015e packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Athlon X4 740 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Athlon X4 740 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the 3015e versus 3.7 GHz on the Athlon X4 740 — a 46.7% clock advantage for the Athlon X4 740 (base: 1.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The 3015e uses the Pollock (Zen) (2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Athlon X4 740 uses Trinity (2012−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the 3015e scores 2,618 against the Athlon X4 740's 2,646 — a 1.1% lead for the Athlon X4 740.

Feature3015eAthlon X4 740
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
2.3 GHz
3.7 GHz+61%
Base Clock
1.2 GHz
3.2 GHz+167%
L3 Cache
4 MB
L2 Cache
1 MB
4 MB (total)+300%
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Pollock (Zen) (2020)
Trinity (2012−2013)
PassMark
2,618
2,646+1%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The 3015e uses the FT5 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Athlon X4 740 uses FM2 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the 3015e versus DDR3-1866 on the Athlon X4 740 — the Athlon X4 740 supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon X4 740 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (3015e) vs 2 (Athlon X4 740). PCIe lanes: 8 (3015e) vs 16 (Athlon X4 740) — the Athlon X4 740 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: FT5 (3015e) and AMD FM2 (Athlon X4 740).

Feature3015eAthlon X4 740
Socket
FT5
FM2
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
1600
DDR3-1866+17%
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
64 GB+300%
RAM Channels
1
2+100%
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
8
16+100%
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (3015e) vs AMD-V (Athlon X4 740). The 3015e includes integrated graphics (Vega 3), while the Athlon X4 740 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Athlon X4 740 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: 3015e rivals Celeron N4120.

Feature3015eAthlon X4 740
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Vega 3
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
AMD-V
Target Use
Desktop