Athlon 64 3100+ vs Core i5-13600K
Athlon 64 3100+
Core i5-13600K
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. The Athlon 64 3100+ is positioned at rank #1074 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 3100+
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon 64 3100+ | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Lima (2008−2009) / 65 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon 64 3100+ | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+273%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) |
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.
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Athlon 64 3100+ and Core i5-13600K
Athlon 64 3100+
The Athlon 64 3100+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Lima (2008−2009) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L2 cache: 512K. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 475 points. Launch price was $149.
Core i5-13600K
The Core i5-13600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 37,655 points. Launch price was $319.
Processing Power
The Athlon 64 3100+ packs 1 cores / 1 threads, while the Core i5-13600K offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i5-13600K has 13 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Athlon 64 3100+ versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K — a 87.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K. The Athlon 64 3100+ uses the Lima (2008−2009) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i5-13600K uses Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 3100+ scores 475 against the Core i5-13600K's 37,655 — a 195% lead for the Core i5-13600K.
| Feature | Athlon 64 3100+ | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 1 / 1 | 14 / 20+1300% |
| Boost Clock | 2 GHz | 5.1 GHz+155% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 24 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512K | 2 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 65 nm | Intel 7 nm-89% |
| Architecture | Lima (2008−2009) | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) |
| PassMark | 475 | 37,655+7827% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 280 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 280 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 64 3100+ uses the AM2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-13600K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 3100+ versus DDR5-5600 on the Core i5-13600K — the Core i5-13600K supports 85.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-13600K supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 191.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Athlon 64 3100+) vs 20 (Core i5-13600K) — the Core i5-13600K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: nForce 500,AMD 690G (Athlon 64 3100+) and Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i5-13600K).
| Feature | Athlon 64 3100+ | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM2 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 5.0+150% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | DDR5-5600+150% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4 GB | 192 GB+4700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-13600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Athlon 64 3100+) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K). The Core i5-13600K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Athlon 64 3100+ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Athlon 64 3100+ targets Legacy Desktop, Core i5-13600K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Athlon 64 3100+ rivals Celeron D 352.
| Feature | Athlon 64 3100+ | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Athlon 64 3100+ launched at $100 MSRP, while the Core i5-13600K debuted at $329. At current prices ($15 vs $319), the Athlon 64 3100+ is $304 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 3100+ delivers 31.7 pts/$ vs 118.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-13600K — making the Core i5-13600K the 115.4% better value option.
| Feature | Athlon 64 3100+ | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $100-70% | $329 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-95% | $319 |
| Performance per Dollar | 31.7 | 118.0+272% |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2022 |
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