Athlon 64 X2 3800+ vs Athlon II X2 210e

Athlon 64 X2 3800+ vs Athlon II X2 210e Performance Spectrum

Athlon 64 X2 3800+

2 / 2

1,095

+0.6%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Athlon II X2 210e

2 / 2

1,089

0.0%

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 X2 3800+ vs Athlon II X2 210e 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 X2 3800+ vs Athlon II X2 210e: 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 X2 3800+

2005

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.1 vs 18.1 PassMark/$ ($354 MSRP vs $60 MSRP).
❌97.8% higher power demand at 89W vs 45W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon II X2 210e.

Athlon II X2 210e

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $294 less on MSRP ($60 MSRP vs $354 MSRP).
✅Delivers 486.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.1 vs 3.1 PassMark/$ ($60 MSRP vs $354 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 89W, a 44W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Athlon 64 X2 3800+.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,089 vs 1,095).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X2 210e better than Athlon 64 X2 3800+?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Athlon II X2 210e is ahead with a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Athlon 64 X2 3800+ pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon 64 X2 3800+ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Athlon II X2 210e is the better buy right now. Athlon II X2 210e comes in $294 cheaper on MSRP at $60 MSRP versus $354 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Athlon 64 X2 3800+ is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 486.8% better value on MSRP (18.1 vs 3.1 PassMark/$), 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 II X2 210e makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2005). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon 64 X2 3800+ vs Athlon II X2 210e Technical Specifications

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

Athlon 64 X2 3800+

The Athlon 64 X2 3800+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,095 points. Launch price was $149.

Athlon II X2 210e

The Athlon II X2 210e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,089 points. Launch price was $149.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ and Athlon II X2 210e share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ versus 2.6 GHz on the Athlon II X2 210e — a 26.1% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 210e. The Athlon 64 X2 3800+ uses the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture (90 nm), while the Athlon II X2 210e uses Regor (2009−2013) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ scores 1,095 against the Athlon II X2 210e's 1,089 — a 0.5% lead for the Athlon 64 X2 3800+. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	Athlon 64 X2 3800+	Athlon II X2 210e
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2 GHz	2.6 GHz+30%
Base Clock	—	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	90 nm	45 nm-50%
Architecture	Manchester (2005−2006)	Regor (2009−2013)
PassMark	1,095	1,089

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon 64 X2 3800+ uses the 939 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Athlon II X2 210e uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ versus 1333 on the Athlon II X2 210e — the Athlon II X2 210e supports 66.6% 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 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 3800+) and AM2+,AM3 (Athlon II X2 210e).

Feature	Athlon 64 X2 3800+	Athlon II X2 210e
Socket	939	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-800	1333+67%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	0

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Athlon 64 X2 3800+) / true (Athlon II X2 210e). Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 210e rivals Pentium E5300.

Feature	Athlon 64 X2 3800+	Athlon II X2 210e
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ was priced at $354, while the Athlon II X2 210e came in at $60. On launch pricing ($354 vs $60), Athlon II X2 210e was $294 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ delivers 3.1 pts/$ vs 18.1 pts/$ for the Athlon II X2 210e — making the Athlon II X2 210e the 141.8% better value option.

Feature	Athlon 64 X2 3800+	Athlon II X2 210e
MSRP	$354	$60-83%
Performance per Dollar	3.1	18.1+484%
Release Date	2005	2010

Search Athlon 64 X2 3800+ on Amazon

Search Athlon II X2 210e on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.