Athlon 64 TF-20 vs Core i3-2328M

AMD

Athlon 64 TF-20

1 Cores1 Thrd512 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-2328M

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Athlon 64 TF-20 vs Core i3-2328M 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 i3-2328M 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 i3-2328M: 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

  • +0.9% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $50 MSRP, while Core i3-2328M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2328M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-2328M

2012

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Athlon 64 TF-20 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,234 vs 1,245).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon 64 TF-20 better than Core i3-2328M?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-2328M is ahead with a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Athlon 64 TF-20 pulls ahead with 0.9% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon 64 TF-20 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 TF-20 is the better buy right now. Athlon 64 TF-20 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $50 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.9% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i3-2328M is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (24.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-2328M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon 64 TF-20 vs Core i3-2328M 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 i3-2328M

The Core i3-2328M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,234 points. Launch price was $225.

Processing Power

The Athlon 64 TF-20 packs 1 cores / 1 threads, while the Core i3-2328M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i3-2328M has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Athlon 64 TF-20 versus 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-2328M — a 31.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-2328M. The Athlon 64 TF-20 uses the Sherman (2009) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i3-2328M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 TF-20 scores 1,245 against the Core i3-2328M's 1,234 — a 0.9% lead for the Athlon 64 TF-20.

FeatureAthlon 64 TF-20Core i3-2328M
Cores / Threads
1 / 1
2 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
1.6 GHz
2.2 GHz+38%
Base Clock
2.2 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512 kB+100%
256K (per core)
Process
65 nm
32 nm-51%
Architecture
Sherman (2009)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
1,245
1,234
Geekbench 6 Single
329
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon 64 TF-20 uses the S1g1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-2328M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Athlon 64 TF-20 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2328M — the Core i3-2328M supports 99.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2328M 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. Chipset compatibility: Socket S1 (Athlon 64 TF-20) and HM65,HM67,QM67,HM75,HM76,HM77 (Core i3-2328M).

FeatureAthlon 64 TF-20Core i3-2328M
Socket
S1g1
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR2-667
DDR3-1333+100%
Max RAM Capacity
4 GB
16 GB+300%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: false (Athlon 64 TF-20) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2328M). The Core i3-2328M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Athlon 64 TF-20 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2328M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2328M rivals Pentium B980.

FeatureAthlon 64 TF-20Core i3-2328M
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
false
VT-x, EPT
Target Use
Budget Laptop