A6-3600 vs Athlon II X3 440

CPU

GPU

A6-3600

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2011

Similar parts

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Athlon II X3 440

3 Cores3 Thrd95 WWMax: 3 GHz2010

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A6-3600 vs Athlon II X3 440 Performance Spectrum

A6-3600

4 / 4

1,718

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Athlon II X3 440

3 / 3

1,743

+1.5%

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.

A6-3600 vs Athlon II X3 440 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.

A6-3600 vs Athlon II X3 440: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A6-3600

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6530D, while Athlon II X3 440 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Athlon II X3 440.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,718 vs 1,743).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.1 vs 23.2 PassMark/$ ($95 MSRP vs $75 MSRP).

Athlon II X3 440

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $20 less on MSRP ($75 MSRP vs $95 MSRP).
✅Delivers 28.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.2 vs 18.1 PassMark/$ ($75 MSRP vs $95 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while A6-3600 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A6-3600.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X3 440 better than A6-3600?

Yes. Athlon II X3 440 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 21 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Athlon II X3 440 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% more average FPS across 21 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X3 440 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.5% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.

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

Athlon II X3 440 is the better buy right now. Athlon II X3 440 comes in $20 cheaper on MSRP at $75 MSRP versus $95 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 21 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 28.5% better value on MSRP (23.2 vs 18.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

A6-3600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A6-3600 vs Athlon II X3 440 Technical Specifications

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

A6-3600

The A6-3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,718 points. Launch price was $70.

Athlon II X3 440

The Athlon II X3 440 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Rana (2009−2011) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,743 points. Launch price was $47.

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Processing Power

The A6-3600 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Athlon II X3 440 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the A6-3600 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the A6-3600 versus 3 GHz on the Athlon II X3 440 — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Athlon II X3 440 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3 GHz). The A6-3600 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon II X3 440 uses Rana (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A6-3600 scores 1,718 against the Athlon II X3 440's 1,743 — a 1.4% lead for the Athlon II X3 440. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	A6-3600	Athlon II X3 440
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+33%	3 / 3
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	3 GHz+25%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	3 GHz+43%
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)+100%	512 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Rana (2009−2011)
PassMark	1,718	1,743+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	253	—

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Memory & Platform

The A6-3600 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon II X3 440 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the A6-3600 versus DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X3 440 — the A6-3600 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X3 440 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 (A6-3600) vs 0 (Athlon II X3 440) — the A6-3600 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75 (A6-3600) and AMD AM3 (Athlon II X3 440).

Feature	A6-3600	Athlon II X3 440
Socket	FM1	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866+40%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	0

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A6-3600) / not specified (Athlon II X3 440). The A6-3600 includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6530D), while the Athlon II X3 440 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A6-3600 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: A6-3600 rivals Pentium G630.

Feature	A6-3600	Athlon II X3 440
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Radeon HD 6530D	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	AMD-V	—
Target Use	Budget Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the A6-3600 was priced at $95, while the Athlon II X3 440 came in at $75. On launch pricing ($95 vs $75), Athlon II X3 440 was $20 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A6-3600 delivers 18.1 pts/$ vs 23.2 pts/$ for the Athlon II X3 440 — making the Athlon II X3 440 the 25% better value option.

Feature	A6-3600	Athlon II X3 440
MSRP	$95	$75-21%
Performance per Dollar	18.1	23.2+28%
Release Date	2011	2010

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