A6-7470K vs Athlon II X4 600e

A6-7470K vs Athlon II X4 600e Performance Spectrum

A6-7470K

2 / 2

1,799

+0.2%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Athlon II X4 600e

4 / 4

1,795

0.0%

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.

A6-7470K vs Athlon II X4 600e 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.

A6-7470K vs Athlon II X4 600e: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A6-7470K

2016

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon R5 Graphics, while Athlon II X4 600e needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

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

Athlon II X4 600e

2009

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,795 vs 1,799).
❌Launch MSRP is still $100 MSRP, while A6-7470K mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while A6-7470K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is A6-7470K better than Athlon II X4 600e?

Yes. A6-7470K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 38 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% 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, A6-7470K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% more average FPS across 38 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A6-7470K 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?

A6-7470K is still the much better call for a fresh build. A6-7470K comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 38 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon II X4 600e only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (17.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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?

A6-7470K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A6-7470K vs Athlon II X4 600e Technical Specifications

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

A6-7470K

The A6-7470K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 1,799 points. Launch price was $70.

Athlon II X4 600e

The Athlon II X4 600e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Propus (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,795 points. Launch price was $130.

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Processing Power

The A6-7470K packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Athlon II X4 600e offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Athlon II X4 600e has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the A6-7470K versus 2.2 GHz on the Athlon II X4 600e — a 58.1% clock advantage for the A6-7470K (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The A6-7470K uses the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture (28 nm), while the Athlon II X4 600e uses Propus (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A6-7470K scores 1,799 against the Athlon II X4 600e's 1,795 — a 0.2% lead for the A6-7470K.

Feature	A6-7470K	Athlon II X4 600e
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	4 GHz+82%	2.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+68%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	—	0 kB
L2 Cache	1024 kB+100%	512 kB (per core)
Process	28 nm-38%	45 nm
Architecture	Godaveri (2014−2016)	Propus (2009−2011)
PassMark	1,799	1,795

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Memory & Platform

The A6-7470K uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Athlon II X4 600e uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2133 on the A6-7470K versus DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X4 600e — the A6-7470K supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-7470K 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: FM2+ (A6-7470K) and Socket AM3 (Athlon II X4 600e).

Feature	A6-7470K	Athlon II X4 600e
Socket	FM2+	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	2133+60%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the A6-7470K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (A6-7470K) vs AMD-V (Athlon II X4 600e). The A6-7470K includes integrated graphics (Radeon R5 Graphics), while the Athlon II X4 600e requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: A6-7470K rivals Pentium G4400.