A4-3330MX vs Athlon 64 X2 4200+

AMD

A4-3330MX

2 Cores2 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2011
VS
AMD

Athlon 64 X2 4200+

2 Cores2 Thrd89 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2006

A4-3330MX 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.

A4-3330MX 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.

A4-3330MX 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.

A4-3330MX

2011

Why buy it

  • βœ…Draws 45W instead of 89W, a 44W reduction.
  • βœ…100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • βœ…Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6480G, while Athlon 64 X2 4200+ needs a discrete GPU.

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 1,264).
    • ❌Launch MSRP is still $581 MSRP, while A4-3330MX mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • ❌97.8% higher power demand at 89W vs 45W.
    • ❌No integrated graphics, while A4-3330MX can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

    Quick Answers

    So, is A4-3330MX better than Athlon 64 X2 4200+?
    Yes. A4-3330MX is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, A4-3330MX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.9% 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, A4-3330MX is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    A4-3330MX is still the much better call for a fresh build. A4-3330MX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $581 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon 64 X2 4200+ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2006 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (2.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on 939.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    A4-3330MX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 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.

    A4-3330MX vs Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    A4-3330MX

    The A4-3330MX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011βˆ’2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,264 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 (2005βˆ’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 A4-3330MX and Athlon 64 X2 4200+ share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the A4-3330MX versus 2.2 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ β€” a 16.7% clock advantage for the A4-3330MX. The A4-3330MX uses the Llano (2011βˆ’2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ uses Manchester (2005βˆ’2006) (90 nm). In PassMark, the A4-3330MX scores 1,264 against the Athlon 64 X2 4200+'s 1,255 β€” a 0.7% lead for the A4-3330MX. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

    FeatureA4-3330MXAthlon 64 X2 4200+
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    2 / 2
    Boost Clock
    2.6 GHz+18%
    2.2 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.2 GHz
    β€”
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    1 MB (per core)+100%
    512 kB
    Process
    32 nm-64%
    90 nm
    Architecture
    Llano (2011βˆ’2012)
    Manchester (2005βˆ’2006)
    PassMark
    1,264
    1,255
    Geekbench 6 Single
    263
    β€”
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The A4-3330MX uses the FS1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ uses 939 (PCIe 1.1) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the A4-3330MX versus DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ β€” the A4-3330MX supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (A4-3330MX) vs 0 (Athlon 64 X2 4200+) β€” the A4-3330MX offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

    FeatureA4-3330MXAthlon 64 X2 4200+
    Socket
    FS1
    939
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0+82%
    PCIe 1.1
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR3-1333+67%
    DDR2-800
    Max RAM Capacity
    16 GB
    16 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    16
    0
    πŸ”§

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: AMD-V (A4-3330MX) / not specified (Athlon 64 X2 4200+). The A4-3330MX includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6480G), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-3330MX targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: A4-3330MX rivals Pentium B980.

    FeatureA4-3330MXAthlon 64 X2 4200+
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    No
    IGPU Model
    Radeon HD 6480G
    β€”
    Unlocked
    No
    β€”
    AVX-512
    No
    β€”
    Virtualization
    AMD-V
    β€”
    Target Use
    Budget Laptop
    β€”