A4-3420 vs Athlon II X2 240

CPU

GPU

A4-3420

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2011

Similar parts

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Athlon II X2 240

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2009

Similar parts

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A4-3420 vs Athlon II X2 240 Performance Spectrum

A4-3420

2 / 2

1,067

+0.7%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Athlon II X2 240

2 / 2

1,060

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.

A4-3420 vs Athlon II X2 240 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 240: 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

✅Better for gaming: +3.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6410D, while Athlon II X2 240 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (500 vs 700).
❌
8.3% HIGHER MSRP
$65 MSRPvs$60 MSRP

Athlon II X2 240

2009

Why buy it

✅+40% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅Costs $5 less on MSRP ($60 MSRP vs $65 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A4-3420 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌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 240?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A4-3420 is ahead with a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X2 240 pulls ahead with 40% better Geekbench multi-core.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X2 240 is the stronger fit. You are getting 40% 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 still the much better call for a fresh build. A4-3420 comes in 8.3% more expensive on MSRP at $65 MSRP versus $60 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon II X2 240 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 7.6% better value on paper (17.7 vs 16.4 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3.

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). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A4-3420 vs Athlon II X2 240 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 240

The Athlon II X2 240 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 July 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) 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: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,060 points. Launch price was $35.

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Processing Power

Both the A4-3420 and Athlon II X2 240 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the A4-3420 versus 2.8 GHz on the Athlon II X2 240 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The A4-3420 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon II X2 240 uses Regor (2009−2013) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A4-3420 scores 1,067 against the Athlon II X2 240's 1,060 — a 0.7% lead for the A4-3420. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 300 vs 373, a 21.7% lead for the Athlon II X2 240 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 500 vs 700 (33.3% advantage for the Athlon II X2 240). Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	A4-3420	Athlon II X2 240
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	512 kB (per core)	2 MB+300%
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Regor (2009−2013)
PassMark	1,067	1,060
Geekbench 6 Single	300	373+24%
Geekbench 6 Multi	500	700+40%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A4-3420 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon II X2 240 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the A4-3420 versus DDR3-1066 on the Athlon II X2 240 — the A4-3420 supports 50.1% 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. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75,A85X (A4-3420) and 760G,785G,790GX,880G,890GX (Athlon II X2 240).

Feature	A4-3420	Athlon II X2 240
Socket	FM1	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+50%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

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 240 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-3420 targets Entry Desktop, Athlon II X2 240 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: A4-3420 rivals Pentium G630; Athlon II X2 240 rivals Pentium E5400.

Feature	A4-3420	Athlon II X2 240
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Radeon HD 6410D	None
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	AMD-V
Target Use	Entry Desktop	Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A4-3420 was priced at $65, while the Athlon II X2 240 came in at $60. On launch pricing ($65 vs $60), Athlon II X2 240 was $5 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A4-3420 delivers 16.4 pts/$ vs 17.7 pts/$ for the Athlon II X2 240 — making the Athlon II X2 240 the 7.3% better value option.

Feature	A4-3420	Athlon II X2 240
MSRP	$65	$60-8%
Performance per Dollar	16.4	17.7+8%
Release Date	2011	2009

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