A4-1200 vs Athlon 64 X2 4200+

AMD

A4-1200

2 Cores2 Thrd4 WWMax: 1 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Athlon 64 X2 4200+

2 Cores2 Thrd89 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2006
Similar parts
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A4-1200 vs Athlon 64 X2 4200+ 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.

A4-1200 vs Athlon 64 X2 4200+ 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.

A4-1200 vs Athlon 64 X2 4200+: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A4-1200

2013

Why buy it

  • Draws 4W instead of 89W, a 85W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (8 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 8180, while Athlon 64 X2 4200+ needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,248 vs 1,255).

Athlon 64 X2 4200+

2006

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Launch MSRP is still $581 MSRP, while A4-1200 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • 2125% higher power demand at 89W vs 4W.
    • No integrated graphics, while A4-1200 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Athlon 64 X2 4200+ better than A4-1200?
    Yes. Athlon 64 X2 4200+ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Athlon 64 X2 4200+ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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 64 X2 4200+ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Athlon 64 X2 4200+ is the better buy right now. Athlon 64 X2 4200+ comes in at an unclear MSRP at $581 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (2.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    A4-1200 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    A4-1200 vs Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    A4-1200

    The A4-1200 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Temash (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FT3. Thermal design power (TDP): 4 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,248 points. Launch price was $50.

    AMD

    Athlon 64 X2 4200+

    The Athlon 64 X2 4200+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Dezembro 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,255 points. Launch price was $309.

    Processing Power

    Both the A4-1200 and Athlon 64 X2 4200+ share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1 GHz on the A4-1200 versus 2.2 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ — a 75% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 X2 4200+. The A4-1200 uses the Temash (2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ uses Manchester (2005−2006) (90 nm). In PassMark, the A4-1200 scores 1,248 against the Athlon 64 X2 4200+'s 1,255 — a 0.6% lead for the Athlon 64 X2 4200+. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

    FeatureA4-1200Athlon 64 X2 4200+
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    2 / 2
    Boost Clock
    1 GHz
    2.2 GHz+120%
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    512K (per core)
    512 kB
    Process
    32 nm-64%
    90 nm
    Architecture
    Temash (2013)
    Manchester (2005−2006)
    PassMark
    1,248
    1,255
    Geekbench 6 Single
    70
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The A4-1200 uses the FT3 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ uses 939 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1066 on the A4-1200 versus DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ — the A4-1200 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon 64 X2 4200+ supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (A4-1200) vs 2 (Athlon 64 X2 4200+). PCIe lanes: 8 (A4-1200) vs 0 (Athlon 64 X2 4200+) — the A4-1200 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

    FeatureA4-1200Athlon 64 X2 4200+
    Socket
    FT3
    939
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0+173%
    PCIe 1.1
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR3L-1066+33%
    DDR2-800
    Max RAM Capacity
    8 GB
    16 GB+100%
    RAM Channels
    1
    2+100%
    ECC Support
    No
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    8
    0
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: AMD-V (A4-1200) / not specified (Athlon 64 X2 4200+). The A4-1200 includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 8180), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-1200 targets Tablet. Direct competitor: A4-1200 rivals Atom Z2760.

    FeatureA4-1200Athlon 64 X2 4200+
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    No
    IGPU Model
    Radeon HD 8180
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    AMD-V
    Target Use
    Tablet