A4-1250 vs Athlon 64 X2 4200+

CPU

GPU

A4-1250

2 Cores2 Thrd8 WWMax: 1 GHz2013

Similar parts

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Athlon 64 X2 4200+

2 Cores2 Thrd89 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2006

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A4-1250 vs Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Performance Spectrum

A4-1250

2 / 2

1,258

+0.2%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Athlon 64 X2 4200+

2 / 2

1,255

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

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.

A4-1250 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.

A4-1250 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.

A4-1250

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $481 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $581 MSRP).
✅Delivers 482.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 12.6 vs 2.2 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $581 MSRP).
✅Draws 8W instead of 89W, a 81W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (8 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Athlon 64 X2 4200+

2006

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,255 vs 1,258).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 2.2 vs 12.6 PassMark/$ ($581 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
❌1012.5% higher power demand at 89W vs 8W.
❌No integrated graphics, while A4-1250 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is A4-1250 better than Athlon 64 X2 4200+?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Athlon 64 X2 4200+ is ahead with a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, A4-1250 pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A4-1250 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

A4-1250 is the better buy right now. A4-1250 comes in $481 cheaper on MSRP at $100 MSRP versus $581 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark. The compromise is that Athlon 64 X2 4200+ is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 482.4% better value on MSRP (12.6 vs 2.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

A4-1250 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2006) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A4-1250 vs Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Technical Specifications

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

A4-1250

The A4-1250 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): 8 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,258 points. Launch price was $50.

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.

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Processing Power

Both the A4-1250 and Athlon 64 X2 4200+ share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1 GHz on the A4-1250 versus 2.2 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ — a 75% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 X2 4200+. The A4-1250 uses the Temash (2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ uses Manchester (2005−2006) (90 nm). In PassMark, the A4-1250 scores 1,258 against the Athlon 64 X2 4200+'s 1,255 — a 0.2% lead for the A4-1250. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	A4-1250	Athlon 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	1,258	1,255
Geekbench 6 Single	111	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	188	—

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Memory & Platform

The A4-1250 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 1333 MHz on the A4-1250 versus DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ — the A4-1250 supports 66.6% 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 (A4-1250) vs 2 (Athlon 64 X2 4200+). PCIe lanes: 8 (A4-1250) vs 0 (Athlon 64 X2 4200+) — the A4-1250 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: FT3 (A4-1250) and AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 4200+).

Feature	A4-1250	Athlon 64 X2 4200+
Socket	FT3	939
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+173%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L 1333 MHz+67%	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: true (A4-1250) / not specified (Athlon 64 X2 4200+). The A4-1250 includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 8210), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-1250 targets Tablet. Direct competitor: A4-1250 rivals Atom Z3740.

Feature	A4-1250	Athlon 64 X2 4200+
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Radeon HD 8210	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—
Target Use	Tablet	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A4-1250 was priced at $100, while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ came in at $581. On launch pricing ($100 vs $581), A4-1250 was $481 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A4-1250 delivers 12.6 pts/$ vs 2.2 pts/$ for the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ — making the A4-1250 the 141.4% better value option.

Feature	A4-1250	Athlon 64 X2 4200+
MSRP	$100-83%	$581
Performance per Dollar	12.6+473%	2.2
Release Date	2013	2006

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