A8-3820 vs Athlon II X4 630

CPU

GPU

A8-3820

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2011

Similar parts

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Athlon II X4 630

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2009

Similar parts

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A8-3820 vs Athlon II X4 630 Performance Spectrum

A8-3820

4 / 4

2,178

+0.1%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Athlon II X4 630

4 / 4

2,175

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.

A8-3820 vs Athlon II X4 630 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.

A8-3820 vs Athlon II X4 630: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-3820

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.
✅25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6550D, while Athlon II X4 630 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.8 vs 16.9 PassMark/$ ($280 MSRP vs $129 MSRP).

Athlon II X4 630

2009

Why buy it

✅Costs $151 less on MSRP ($129 MSRP vs $280 MSRP).
✅Delivers 116.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.9 vs 7.8 PassMark/$ ($129 MSRP vs $280 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,175 vs 2,178).
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while A8-3820 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is A8-3820 better than Athlon II X4 630?

Yes. A8-3820 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A8-3820 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

A8-3820 is still the much better call for a fresh build. A8-3820 comes in 117.1% more expensive on MSRP at $280 MSRP versus $129 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon II X4 630 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 116.8% better value on paper (16.9 vs 7.8 PassMark/$), 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?

A8-3820 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 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A8-3820 vs Athlon II X4 630 Technical Specifications

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

A8-3820

The A8-3820 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 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: 2,178 points. Launch price was $90.

Athlon II X4 630

The Athlon II X4 630 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 16 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Propus (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 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 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,175 points. Launch price was $63.

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Processing Power

Both the A8-3820 and Athlon II X4 630 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the A8-3820 versus 2.8 GHz on the Athlon II X4 630 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The A8-3820 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon II X4 630 uses Propus (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A8-3820 scores 2,178 against the Athlon II X4 630's 2,175 — a 0.1% lead for the A8-3820. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	A8-3820	Athlon II X4 630
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.8 GHz+12%
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)	Propus (2009−2011)
PassMark	2,178	2,175
Geekbench 6 Single	354	—

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Memory & Platform

The A8-3820 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon II X4 630 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the A8-3820 versus DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X4 630 — the A8-3820 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-3820 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: 20 (A8-3820) vs 16 (Athlon II X4 630) — the A8-3820 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75 (A8-3820) and Socket AM3 (Athlon II X4 630).

Feature	A8-3820	Athlon II X4 630
Socket	FM1	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866+40%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20+25%	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Athlon II X4 630 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AMD-V virtualization. The A8-3820 includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6550D), while the Athlon II X4 630 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3820 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-3820 rivals Core i3-2120.

Feature	A8-3820	Athlon II X4 630
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Radeon HD 6550D	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	AMD-V
Target Use	Budget Desktop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A8-3820 was priced at $280, while the Athlon II X4 630 came in at $129. On launch pricing ($280 vs $129), Athlon II X4 630 was $151 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A8-3820 delivers 7.8 pts/$ vs 16.9 pts/$ for the Athlon II X4 630 — making the Athlon II X4 630 the 73.7% better value option.

Feature	A8-3820	Athlon II X4 630
MSRP	$280	$129-54%
Performance per Dollar	7.8	16.9+117%
Release Date	2011	2009

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