Athlon 64 TF-20 vs Core 2 Solo SU3300

AMD

Athlon 64 TF-20

1 Cores1 Thrd512 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core 2 Solo SU3300

1 Cores1 Thrd3 WWMax: 1.2 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Athlon 64 TF-20 vs Core 2 Solo SU3300 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 TF-20 vs Core 2 Solo SU3300 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 TF-20 vs Core 2 Solo SU3300: 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 TF-20

2009

Why buy it

  • Costs $212 less on MSRP ($50 MSRP vs $262 MSRP).
  • Delivers 423.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.9 vs 4.8 PassMark/$ ($50 MSRP vs $262 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,245 vs 1,247).
  • 16966.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 3W.

Core 2 Solo SU3300

2008

Why buy it

  • +0.2% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 3W instead of 512W, a 509W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.8 vs 24.9 PassMark/$ ($262 MSRP vs $50 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon 64 TF-20 better than Core 2 Solo SU3300?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Athlon 64 TF-20 is ahead with a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Solo SU3300 pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Solo SU3300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon 64 TF-20 is the better buy right now. Athlon 64 TF-20 comes in $212 cheaper on MSRP at $50 MSRP versus $262 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Solo SU3300 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 423.2% better value on MSRP (24.9 vs 4.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Athlon 64 TF-20 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon 64 TF-20 vs Core 2 Solo SU3300 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon 64 TF-20

The Athlon 64 TF-20 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Sherman (2009) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1g1. Thermal design power (TDP): 512 kB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,245 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Core 2 Solo SU3300

The Core 2 Solo SU3300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 August 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.2 GHz. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 3 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,247 points. Launch price was $262.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon 64 TF-20 and Core 2 Solo SU3300 share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Athlon 64 TF-20 versus 1.2 GHz on the Core 2 Solo SU3300 — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 TF-20. The Athlon 64 TF-20 uses the Sherman (2009) architecture (65 nm), while the Core 2 Solo SU3300 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 TF-20 scores 1,245 against the Core 2 Solo SU3300's 1,247 — a 0.2% lead for the Core 2 Solo SU3300.

FeatureAthlon 64 TF-20Core 2 Solo SU3300
Cores / Threads
1 / 1
1 / 1
Boost Clock
1.6 GHz+33%
1.2 GHz
L2 Cache
512 kB
3 MB+500%
Process
65 nm
45 nm-31%
Architecture
Sherman (2009)
Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark
1,245
1,247
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon 64 TF-20 uses the S1g1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Solo SU3300 uses BGA956 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Athlon 64 TF-20 versus DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Solo SU3300 — the Core 2 Solo SU3300 supports 19.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 4 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Athlon 64 TF-20) vs 1 (Core 2 Solo SU3300).

FeatureAthlon 64 TF-20Core 2 Solo SU3300
Socket
S1g1
BGA956
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0+82%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
DDR2-667
DDR2-800+20%
Max RAM Capacity
4 GB
4 GB
RAM Channels
2+100%
1
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: false (Athlon 64 TF-20) vs VT-x (Core 2 Solo SU3300). Primary use case: Core 2 Solo SU3300 targets Mobile.

FeatureAthlon 64 TF-20Core 2 Solo SU3300
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
false
VT-x
Target Use
Mobile
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon 64 TF-20 was priced at $50, while the Core 2 Solo SU3300 came in at $262. On launch pricing ($50 vs $262), Athlon 64 TF-20 was $212 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 TF-20 delivers 24.9 pts/$ vs 4.8 pts/$ for the Core 2 Solo SU3300 — making the Athlon 64 TF-20 the 135.8% better value option.

FeatureAthlon 64 TF-20Core 2 Solo SU3300
MSRP
$50-81%
$262
Performance per Dollar
24.9+419%
4.8
Release Date
2009
2008

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