Athlon 64 FX-74 vs Core i3-2357M

Athlon 64 FX-74 vs Core i3-2357M Performance Spectrum

Athlon 64 FX-74

2 / 2

1,658

+0.8%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-2357M

2 / 4

1,645

0.0%

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 FX-74 vs Core i3-2357M 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 FX-74 vs Core i3-2357M: 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 FX-74

2006

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $499 MSRP, while Core i3-2357M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌635.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 17W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2357M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-2357M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 17W instead of 125W, a 108W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Athlon 64 FX-74 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (440 vs 750).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon 64 FX-74 better than Core i3-2357M?

Yes. Athlon 64 FX-74 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 70.5% better Geekbench multi-core, and 0.8% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Athlon 64 FX-74 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% 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 FX-74 is the stronger fit. You are getting 70.5% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Athlon 64 FX-74 is the better buy right now. Athlon 64 FX-74 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $499 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (3.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-2357M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon 64 FX-74 vs Core i3-2357M Technical Specifications

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

Athlon 64 FX-74

The Athlon 64 FX-74 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Novembro 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: F. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR1. Passmark benchmark score: 1,658 points. Launch price was $500.

Core i3-2357M

The Core i3-2357M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,645 points. Launch price was $250.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon 64 FX-74 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2357M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Athlon 64 FX-74 versus 1.3 GHz on the Core i3-2357M — a 79.1% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 FX-74. The Athlon 64 FX-74 uses the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture (90 nm), while the Core i3-2357M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 FX-74 scores 1,658 against the Core i3-2357M's 1,645 — a 0.8% lead for the Athlon 64 FX-74. Multi-core Geekbench: 750 vs 440 (52.1% advantage for the Athlon 64 FX-74). L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon 64 FX-74 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2357M.

Feature	Athlon 64 FX-74	Core i3-2357M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz+131%	1.3 GHz
Base Clock	—	1.3 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	90 nm	32 nm-64%
Architecture	Windsor (2006−2007)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,658	1,645
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	440
Geekbench 6 Single	400	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	750+70%	440

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon 64 FX-74 uses the F socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-2357M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2 on the Athlon 64 FX-74 versus 1333 on the Core i3-2357M — the Core i3-2357M supports 66550% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: nForce 680a (Athlon 64 FX-74) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS57,QS67,UM67 (Core i3-2357M).

Feature	Athlon 64 FX-74	Core i3-2357M
Socket	F	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR2	1333+66550%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Athlon 64 FX-74 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Athlon 64 FX-74) vs true (Core i3-2357M). The Core i3-2357M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Athlon 64 FX-74 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Athlon 64 FX-74 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Athlon 64 FX-74 rivals Pentium Extreme Edition 965; Core i3-2357M rivals Core 2 Duo SU9600.