3020e vs Athlon II X4 645

AMD

3020e

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2020
VS
AMD

Athlon II X4 645

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2010

3020e vs Athlon II X4 645 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.

3020e vs Athlon II X4 645 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.

3020e vs Athlon II X4 645: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

3020e

2020

Why buy it

  • βœ…+65.4% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • βœ…Costs $26 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $126 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 27.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.1 vs 18.8 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $126 MSRP).
  • βœ…Draws 1W instead of 95W, a 94W reduction.
  • βœ…Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon Graphics (Vega 3), while Athlon II X4 645 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (480 vs 1,374).
  • ❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon II X4 645.

Athlon II X4 645

2010

Why buy it

  • βœ…+186.3% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
  • βœ…100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • βœ…Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike 3020e.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (399 vs 660).
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.8 vs 24.1 PassMark/$ ($126 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
  • ❌9400% higher power demand at 95W vs 1W.
  • ❌No integrated graphics, while 3020e can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is 3020e better than Athlon II X4 645?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, 3020e is ahead with a 0.9% average FPS lead across 34 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X4 645 pulls ahead with 186.3% better Cinebench R23 multi-core.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X4 645 is the stronger fit. You are getting 186.3% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
3020e is the better buy right now. 3020e comes in $26 cheaper on MSRP at $100 MSRP versus $126 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 34 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Athlon II X4 645 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 186.3% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. It is also 27.6% better value on MSRP (24.1 vs 18.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
3020e makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

3020e vs Athlon II X4 645 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

3020e

The 3020e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Dali (Zen) (2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FT5. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MBΒ +Β 4 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,406 points. Launch price was $50.

AMD

Athlon II X4 645

The Athlon II X4 645 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 21 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Propus (2009βˆ’2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,375 points. Launch price was $80.

⚑

Processing Power

The 3020e packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Athlon II X4 645 offers 4 cores / 4 threads β€” the Athlon II X4 645 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the 3020e versus 3.1 GHz on the Athlon II X4 645 β€” a 17.5% clock advantage for the Athlon II X4 645 (base: 1.2 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The 3020e uses the Dali (Zen) (2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Athlon II X4 645 uses Propus (2009βˆ’2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the 3020e scores 2,406 against the Athlon II X4 645's 2,375 β€” a 1.3% lead for the 3020e. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 480 vs 1,374 (96.4% advantage for the Athlon II X4 645). Geekbench 6 single-core β€” the metric most relevant to gaming β€” records 660 vs 399, a 49.3% lead for the 3020e that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,100 vs 1,374 (22.2% advantage for the Athlon II X4 645). L3 cache: 4 MB on the 3020e vs 0 kB on the Athlon II X4 645.

Feature3020eAthlon II X4 645
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
2.6 GHz
3.1 GHz+19%
Base Clock
1.2 GHz
3.1 GHz+158%
L3 Cache
4 MB
0 kB
L2 Cache
1 MB+100%
512 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm-69%
45 nm
Architecture
Dali (Zen) (2020)
Propus (2009βˆ’2011)
PassMark
2,406+1%
2,375
Cinebench R23 Multi
480
1,374+186%
Geekbench 6 Single
660+65%
399
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,100
1,374+25%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The 3020e uses the FT5 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Athlon II X4 645 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the 3020e versus DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X4 645 β€” the 3020e supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The 3020e supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB β€” 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (3020e) vs 16 (Athlon II X4 645) β€” the Athlon II X4 645 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature3020eAthlon II X4 645
Socket
FT5
AM3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400+80%
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB+100%
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
8
16+100%
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: AMD-V (3020e) vs Yes (Athlon II X4 645). The 3020e includes integrated graphics (Radeon Graphics (Vega 3)), while the Athlon II X4 645 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: 3020e targets Entry Level Laptop, Athlon II X4 645 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: 3020e rivals Celeron N4020.

Feature3020eAthlon II X4 645
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Radeon Graphics (Vega 3)
β€”
Unlocked
No
β€”
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Yes
Target Use
Entry Level Laptop
Desktop
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the 3020e was priced at $100, while the Athlon II X4 645 came in at $126. On launch pricing ($100 vs $126), 3020e was $26 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the 3020e delivers 24.1 pts/$ vs 18.8 pts/$ for the Athlon II X4 645 β€” making the 3020e the 24.3% better value option.

Feature3020eAthlon II X4 645
MSRP
$100-21%
$126
Performance per Dollar
24.1+28%
18.8
Release Date
2020
2010

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.