A4-3420 vs Athlon II X2 235e

CPU

GPU

A4-3420

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2011

Similar parts

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Athlon II X2 235e

2 Cores2 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2009

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A4-3420 vs Athlon II X2 235e Performance Spectrum

A4-3420

2 / 2

1,067

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Athlon II X2 235e

2 / 2

1,079

+1.1%

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.

A4-3420 vs Athlon II X2 235e 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.

A4-3420 vs Athlon II X2 235e: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A4-3420

2011

Why buy it

✅+25% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $4 less on MSRP ($65 MSRP vs $69 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6410D, while Athlon II X2 235e needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Athlon II X2 235e

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (240 vs 300).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (450 vs 500).
❌
6.2% HIGHER MSRP
$69 MSRPvs$65 MSRP
❌No integrated graphics, while A4-3420 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is A4-3420 better than Athlon II X2 235e?

Yes. A4-3420 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 11.1% better Geekbench multi-core, 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, A4-3420 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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, A4-3420 is the stronger fit. You are getting 11.1% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

A4-3420 is the better buy right now. A4-3420 comes in $4 cheaper on MSRP at $65 MSRP versus $69 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 5.0% better value on MSRP (16.4 vs 15.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

A4-3420 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2009) 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.

A4-3420 vs Athlon II X2 235e Technical Specifications

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

A4-3420

The A4-3420 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,067 points. Launch price was $50.

Athlon II X2 235e

The Athlon II X2 235e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,079 points. Launch price was $84.

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Processing Power

Both the A4-3420 and Athlon II X2 235e share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the A4-3420 versus 2.7 GHz on the Athlon II X2 235e — a 3.6% clock advantage for the A4-3420 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The A4-3420 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon II X2 235e uses Regor (2009−2013) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A4-3420 scores 1,067 against the Athlon II X2 235e's 1,079 — a 1.1% lead for the Athlon II X2 235e. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 300 vs 240, a 22.2% lead for the A4-3420 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 500 vs 450 (10.5% advantage for the A4-3420). Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	A4-3420	Athlon II X2 235e
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz+4%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+4%	2.7 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	512 kB (per core)	1 MB+100%
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Regor (2009−2013)
PassMark	1,067	1,079+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	300+25%	240
Geekbench 6 Multi	500+11%	450

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Memory & Platform

The A4-3420 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon II X2 235e uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the A4-3420 versus DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X2 235e — the A4-3420 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A4-3420 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. PCIe lanes: 16 (A4-3420) vs 0 (Athlon II X2 235e) — the A4-3420 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75,A85X (A4-3420) and 760G,780G,785G,790GX (Athlon II X2 235e).

Feature	A4-3420	Athlon II X2 235e
Socket	FM1	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	0

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AMD-V virtualization. The A4-3420 includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6410D), while the Athlon II X2 235e requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-3420 targets Entry Desktop, Athlon II X2 235e targets Energy Efficient Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: A4-3420 rivals Pentium G630; Athlon II X2 235e rivals Pentium E5300.

Feature	A4-3420	Athlon II X2 235e
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Radeon HD 6410D	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	AMD-V
Target Use	Entry Desktop	Energy Efficient Legacy Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A4-3420 was priced at $65, while the Athlon II X2 235e came in at $69. On launch pricing ($65 vs $69), A4-3420 was $4 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A4-3420 delivers 16.4 pts/$ vs 15.6 pts/$ for the Athlon II X2 235e — making the A4-3420 the 4.9% better value option.

Feature	A4-3420	Athlon II X2 235e
MSRP	$65-6%	$69
Performance per Dollar	16.4+5%	15.6
Release Date	2011	2009

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