Athlon 64 2800+ vs Athlon XP 3100+
Athlon 64 2800+
Athlon XP 3100+
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Athlon 64 2800+ is positioned at rank 1098 and the Athlon XP 3100+ is on rank 1096, so the Athlon XP 3100+ offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 2800+
Performance Per Dollar Athlon XP 3100+
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon 64 2800+ | Athlon XP 3100+ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (NewCastle (2004) / 130 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Thorton (2001−2003) / 130 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon 64 2800+ | Athlon XP 3100+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+32%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Athlon 64 2800+ and Athlon XP 3100+
Athlon 64 2800+
The Athlon 64 2800+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Abril 2004 (21 years ago). It is based on the NewCastle (2004) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 754. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 420 points. Launch price was $100.
Athlon XP 3100+
The Athlon XP 3100+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Thorton (2001−2003) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 256 kB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: A. Thermal design power (TDP): 68 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 425 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
Both the Athlon 64 2800+ and Athlon XP 3100+ share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Athlon 64 2800+ versus 2.2 GHz on the Athlon XP 3100+ — a 20% clock advantage for the Athlon XP 3100+. The Athlon 64 2800+ uses the NewCastle (2004) architecture (130 nm), while the Athlon XP 3100+ uses Thorton (2001−2003) (130 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 2800+ scores 420 against the Athlon XP 3100+'s 425 — a 1.2% lead for the Athlon XP 3100+. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Athlon 64 2800+ | Athlon XP 3100+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 1 / 1 | 1 / 1 |
| Boost Clock | 1.8 GHz | 2.2 GHz+22% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB+100% | 256 kB |
| Process | 130 nm | 130 nm |
| Architecture | NewCastle (2004) | Thorton (2001−2003) |
| PassMark | 420 | 425+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 64 2800+ uses the 754 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Athlon XP 3100+ uses A (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR-400 on the Athlon 64 2800+ versus DDR-333 on the Athlon XP 3100+ — the Athlon XP 3100+ supports -18.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 4 GB of RAM. Both feature 1-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AMD 754 (Athlon 64 2800+) and AMD Socket A (Athlon XP 3100+).
| Feature | Athlon 64 2800+ | Athlon XP 3100+ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | 754 | A |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR-400 | DDR-333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| RAM Channels | 1 | 1 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 0 |
Value Analysis
The Athlon 64 2800+ launched at $178 MSRP, while the Athlon XP 3100+ debuted at $150. At current prices ($15 vs $20), the Athlon 64 2800+ is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 2800+ delivers 28.0 pts/$ vs 21.3 pts/$ for the Athlon XP 3100+ — making the Athlon 64 2800+ the 27.4% better value option.
| Feature | Athlon 64 2800+ | Athlon XP 3100+ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $178 | $150-16% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-25% | $20 |
| Performance per Dollar | 28.0+31% | 21.3 |
| Release Date | 2004 | 2003 |
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