Athlon 64 X2 4200+ vs Core i5-450M
Athlon 64 X2 4200+
Core i5-450M
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Athlon 64 X2 4200+ is positioned at rank 1101 and the Core i5-450M is on rank 10, so the Core i5-450M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 X2 4200+
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-450M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ | Core i5-450M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) | ✅ More affordable ($31) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Manchester (2005−2006) / 90 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ | Core i5-450M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+257%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) | ✅ More affordable ($31) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Athlon 64 X2 4200+ and Core i5-450M
Athlon 64 X2 4200+
The Athlon 64 X2 4200+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Dezembro 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 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: 1,255 points. Launch price was $309.
Core i5-450M
The Core i5-450M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.66 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: 1,264 points. Launch price was $32.
Processing Power
The Athlon 64 X2 4200+ packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-450M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ versus 2.66 GHz on the Core i5-450M — a 18.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-450M. The Athlon 64 X2 4200+ uses the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture (90 nm), while the Core i5-450M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ scores 1,255 against the Core i5-450M's 1,264 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-450M. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-450M.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ | Core i5-450M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.2 GHz | 2.66 GHz+21% |
| Base Clock | — | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB+100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 90 nm | 32 nm-64% |
| Architecture | Manchester (2005−2006) | Arrandale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,255 | 1,264 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 64 X2 4200+ uses the 939 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-450M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ versus 1066 on the Core i5-450M — the Core i5-450M supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon 64 X2 4200+ supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon 64 X2 4200+) vs 16 (Core i5-450M) — the Core i5-450M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 4200+) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-450M).
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ | Core i5-450M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | 939 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | 1066+53200% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+209715100% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Athlon 64 X2 4200+) / true (Core i5-450M). The Core i5-450M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-450M rivals AMD Turion II M620.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ | Core i5-450M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
Value Analysis
The Athlon 64 X2 4200+ launched at $581 MSRP, while the Core i5-450M debuted at $32. At current prices ($110 vs $31), the Core i5-450M is $79 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ delivers 11.4 pts/$ vs 40.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-450M — making the Core i5-450M the 112.5% better value option.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ | Core i5-450M |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $581 | $32-94% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $110 | $31-72% |
| Performance per Dollar | 11.4 | 40.8+258% |
| Release Date | 2006 | 2010 |
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