Athlon 64 3700+ vs Athlon 64 3800+

Athlon 64 3700+ vs Athlon 64 3800+ Performance Spectrum

Athlon 64 3700+

1 / 1

622

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Athlon 64 3800+

1 / 1

648

+4.2%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

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.

Athlon 64 3700+ vs Athlon 64 3800+ 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 3700+ vs Athlon 64 3800+: 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 3700+

2001

Why buy it

✅Costs $82 less on MSRP ($272 MSRP vs $354 MSRP).
✅Delivers 24.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 2.3 vs 1.8 PassMark/$ ($272 MSRP vs $354 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (622 vs 648).

Athlon 64 3800+

2004

Why buy it

✅+4.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 1.8 vs 2.3 PassMark/$ ($354 MSRP vs $272 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon 64 3800+ better than Athlon 64 3700+?

Yes. Athlon 64 3800+ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 4.2% better PassMark and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

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, Athlon 64 3800+ is the stronger fit. You are getting 4.2% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.

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

Athlon 64 3800+ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Athlon 64 3800+ comes in 30.1% more expensive on MSRP at $354 MSRP versus $272 MSRP, and it still gives you 4.2% higher PassMark. Athlon 64 3700+ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2001 platform. Even with 24.9% better value on paper (2.3 vs 1.8 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on 939.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Athlon 64 3800+ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2004 vs 2001) and more multi-core headroom with 1 cores / 1 threads instead of 1/1. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Athlon 64 3700+ vs Athlon 64 3800+ Technical Specifications

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

Athlon 64 3700+

The Athlon 64 3700+ 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: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 622 points. Launch price was $69.

Athlon 64 3800+

The Athlon 64 3800+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Junho 2004 (21 years ago). It is based on the Venice (2004−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Memory support: DDR1. Passmark benchmark score: 648 points. Launch price was $160.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Athlon 64 3700+ and Athlon 64 3800+ share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Athlon 64 3700+ versus 2.4 GHz on the Athlon 64 3800+ — identical boost frequencies. The Athlon 64 3700+ uses the San Diego (2001−2005) architecture (130 nm), while the Athlon 64 3800+ uses Venice (2004−2005) (130 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 3700+ scores 622 against the Athlon 64 3800+'s 648 — a 4.1% lead for the Athlon 64 3800+. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	Athlon 64 3700+	Athlon 64 3800+
Cores / Threads	1 / 1	1 / 1
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	1 MB+100%	512 kB
Process	130 nm	130 nm
Architecture	San Diego (2001−2005)	Venice (2004−2005)
PassMark	622	648+4%

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the 939 socket with PCIe 1.1. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR-400 on the Athlon 64 3700+ versus DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 3800+ — the Athlon 64 3800+ supports -300% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon 64 3800+ supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AMD 939 (Athlon 64 3700+) and AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 3800+).

Feature	Athlon 64 3700+	Athlon 64 3800+
Socket	939	939
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR-400	DDR2-800
Max RAM Capacity	4 GB	16 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	0

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon 64 3700+ was priced at $272, while the Athlon 64 3800+ came in at $354. On launch pricing ($272 vs $354), Athlon 64 3700+ was $82 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 3700+ delivers 2.3 pts/$ vs 1.8 pts/$ for the Athlon 64 3800+ — making the Athlon 64 3700+ the 22.2% better value option.

Feature	Athlon 64 3700+	Athlon 64 3800+
MSRP	$272-23%	$354
Performance per Dollar	2.3+28%	1.8
Release Date	2001	2004

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