A10-6790B vs Athlon II X3 420e

CPU

GPU

A10-6790B

4 Cores4 Thrd100 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2013

Similar parts

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Athlon II X3 420e

3 Cores3 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2010

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A10-6790B vs Athlon II X3 420e Performance Spectrum

A10-6790B

4 / 4

1,546

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Athlon II X3 420e

3 / 3

1,557

+0.7%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

A10-6790B vs Athlon II X3 420e 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.

A10-6790B vs Athlon II X3 420e: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A10-6790B

2013

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 8670D, while Athlon II X3 420e needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,546 vs 1,557).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.7 vs 14.6 PassMark/$ ($122 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).
❌122.2% higher power demand at 100W vs 45W.

Athlon II X3 420e

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $15 less on MSRP ($107 MSRP vs $122 MSRP).
✅Delivers 14.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 14.6 vs 12.7 PassMark/$ ($107 MSRP vs $122 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 100W, a 55W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while A10-6790B can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X3 420e better than A10-6790B?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A10-6790B is ahead with a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X3 420e pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X3 420e is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Athlon II X3 420e is the better buy right now. Athlon II X3 420e comes in $15 cheaper on MSRP at $107 MSRP versus $122 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark. The compromise is that A10-6790B is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 14.8% better value on MSRP (14.6 vs 12.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A10-6790B makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A10-6790B vs Athlon II X3 420e Technical Specifications

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

A10-6790B

The A10-6790B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,546 points. Launch price was $130.

Athlon II X3 420e

The Athlon II X3 420e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 21 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Rana (2009−2011) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,557 points. Launch price was $116.

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Processing Power

The A10-6790B packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Athlon II X3 420e offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the A10-6790B has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the A10-6790B versus 2.6 GHz on the Athlon II X3 420e — a 49.3% clock advantage for the A10-6790B (base: 4 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The A10-6790B uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon II X3 420e uses Rana (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A10-6790B scores 1,546 against the Athlon II X3 420e's 1,557 — a 0.7% lead for the Athlon II X3 420e.

Feature	A10-6790B	Athlon II X3 420e
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+33%	3 / 3
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz+65%	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+54%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	—	0 kB
L2 Cache	4096 kB+700%	512 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Richland (2013−2014)	Rana (2009−2011)
PassMark	1,546	1,557
Geekbench 6 Single	—	314
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	880

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Memory & Platform

The A10-6790B uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Athlon II X3 420e uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the A10-6790B versus DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X3 420e — the A10-6790B supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A10-6790B supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75,A85X,A78,A88X (A10-6790B) and 760G,785G,880G (Athlon II X3 420e).

Feature	A10-6790B	Athlon II X3 420e
Socket	FM2	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866+40%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AMD-V virtualization. The A10-6790B includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 8670D), while the Athlon II X3 420e requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-6790B targets Office, Athlon II X3 420e targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: A10-6790B rivals Core i3-4330; Athlon II X3 420e rivals Athlon II X3 415e.

Feature	A10-6790B	Athlon II X3 420e
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Radeon HD 8670D	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	AMD-V
Target Use	Office	Legacy Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A10-6790B was priced at $122, while the Athlon II X3 420e came in at $107. On launch pricing ($122 vs $107), Athlon II X3 420e was $15 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A10-6790B delivers 12.7 pts/$ vs 14.6 pts/$ for the Athlon II X3 420e — making the Athlon II X3 420e the 13.8% better value option.

Feature	A10-6790B	Athlon II X3 420e
MSRP	$122	$107-12%
Performance per Dollar	12.7	14.6+15%
Release Date	2013	2010

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