Athlon 64 3500+ vs Athlon II Neo K145

AMD

Athlon 64 3500+

1 Cores1 Thrd89 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2001
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Athlon II Neo K145

1 Cores1 Thrd1 WWMax: 1.8 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Athlon 64 3500+ vs Athlon II Neo K145 Performance Spectrum

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.

Athlon 64 3500+ vs Athlon II Neo K145 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.

Athlon 64 3500+ vs Athlon II Neo K145: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Athlon 64 3500+

2001

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 2.1 vs 11.3 PassMark/$ ($272 MSRP vs $50 MSRP).
    • 8800% higher power demand at 89W vs 1W.

    Athlon II Neo K145

    2010

    Why buy it

    • Costs $222 less on MSRP ($50 MSRP vs $272 MSRP).
    • Delivers 439.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.3 vs 2.1 PassMark/$ ($50 MSRP vs $272 MSRP).
    • Draws 1W instead of 89W, a 88W reduction.

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (565 vs 570).

    Quick Answers

    So, is Athlon 64 3500+ better than Athlon II Neo K145?
    Yes. Athlon 64 3500+ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Athlon 64 3500+ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon 64 3500+ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Athlon 64 3500+ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Athlon 64 3500+ comes in 444.0% more expensive on MSRP at $272 MSRP versus $50 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon II Neo K145 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 439.2% better value on paper (11.3 vs 2.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on S1.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Athlon II Neo K145 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2001). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Athlon 64 3500+ vs Athlon II Neo K145 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Athlon 64 3500+

    The Athlon 64 3500+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Janeiro 2001 (24 years ago). It is based on the San Diego (2001−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 570 points. Launch price was $59.

    AMD

    Athlon II Neo K145

    The Athlon II Neo K145 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Nile (2010) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.8 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 565 points. Launch price was $149.

    Processing Power

    Both the Athlon 64 3500+ and Athlon II Neo K145 share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Athlon 64 3500+ versus 1.8 GHz on the Athlon II Neo K145 — a 20% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 3500+. The Athlon 64 3500+ uses the San Diego (2001−2005) architecture (130 nm), while the Athlon II Neo K145 uses Nile (2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 3500+ scores 570 against the Athlon II Neo K145's 565 — a 0.9% lead for the Athlon 64 3500+.

    FeatureAthlon 64 3500+Athlon II Neo K145
    Cores / Threads
    1 / 1
    1 / 1
    Boost Clock
    2.2 GHz+22%
    1.8 GHz
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    512 kB
    1 MB+100%
    Process
    130 nm
    45 nm-65%
    Architecture
    San Diego (2001−2005)
    Nile (2010)
    PassMark
    570
    565
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Athlon 64 3500+ uses the 939 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Athlon II Neo K145 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR-400 on the Athlon 64 3500+ versus DDR3-1066 on the Athlon II Neo K145 — the Athlon II Neo K145 supports -366.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 4 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AMD 939 (Athlon 64 3500+) and AMD ASB2 (Athlon II Neo K145).

    FeatureAthlon 64 3500+Athlon II Neo K145
    Socket
    939
    S1
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 1.1
    PCIe 2.0+82%
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR-400
    DDR3-1066
    Max RAM Capacity
    4 GB
    4 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    0
    0
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Athlon 64 3500+ was priced at $272, while the Athlon II Neo K145 came in at $50. On launch pricing ($272 vs $50), Athlon II Neo K145 was $222 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 3500+ delivers 2.1 pts/$ vs 11.3 pts/$ for the Athlon II Neo K145 — making the Athlon II Neo K145 the 137.4% better value option.

    FeatureAthlon 64 3500+Athlon II Neo K145
    MSRP
    $272
    $50-82%
    Performance per Dollar
    2.1
    11.3+438%
    Release Date
    2001
    2010

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