Athlon 64 3800+ vs Athlon 64 4000+

Athlon 64 3800+ vs Athlon 64 4000+ Performance Spectrum

Athlon 64 3800+

1 / 1

648

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Athlon 64 4000+

1 / 1

675

+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 3800+ vs Athlon 64 4000+ 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 3800+ vs Athlon 64 4000+: 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 3800+

2004

Why buy it

✅Costs $128 less on MSRP ($354 MSRP vs $482 MSRP).
✅Delivers 30.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 1.8 vs 1.4 PassMark/$ ($354 MSRP vs $482 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon 64 4000+ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (648 vs 675).

Athlon 64 4000+

2001

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 1.4 vs 1.8 PassMark/$ ($482 MSRP vs $354 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon 64 4000+ better than Athlon 64 3800+?

Yes. Athlon 64 4000+ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 4.2% 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 4000+ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.0% 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 4000+ 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 4000+ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Athlon 64 4000+ comes in 36.2% more expensive on MSRP at $482 MSRP versus $354 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon 64 3800+ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2004 platform. Even with 30.7% better value on paper (1.8 vs 1.4 PassMark/$), 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). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon 64 3800+ vs Athlon 64 4000+ Technical Specifications

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

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.

Athlon 64 4000+

The Athlon 64 4000+ 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: 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 675 points. Launch price was $160.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Athlon 64 3800+ and Athlon 64 4000+ share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Athlon 64 3800+ versus 2.6 GHz on the Athlon 64 4000+ — a 8% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 4000+. The Athlon 64 3800+ uses the Venice (2004−2005) architecture (130 nm), while the Athlon 64 4000+ uses San Diego (2001−2005) (130 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 3800+ scores 648 against the Athlon 64 4000+'s 675 — a 4.1% lead for the Athlon 64 4000+. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	Athlon 64 3800+	Athlon 64 4000+
Cores / Threads	1 / 1	1 / 1
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	2.6 GHz+8%
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	512 kB	512K
Process	130 nm	130 nm
Architecture	Venice (2004−2005)	San Diego (2001−2005)
PassMark	648	675+4%

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the 939 socket with PCIe 1.1. Both support up to DDR2-800 memory speed. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 3800+) and AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 4000+).

Feature	Athlon 64 3800+	Athlon 64 4000+
Socket	939	939
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-800	DDR2-800
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	0

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon 64 3800+ was priced at $354, while the Athlon 64 4000+ came in at $482. On launch pricing ($354 vs $482), Athlon 64 3800+ was $128 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 3800+ delivers 1.8 pts/$ vs 1.4 pts/$ for the Athlon 64 4000+ — making the Athlon 64 3800+ the 26.6% better value option.

Feature	Athlon 64 3800+	Athlon 64 4000+
MSRP	$354-27%	$482
Performance per Dollar	1.8+29%	1.4
Release Date	2004	2001

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