Athlon 64 X2 5800+ vs Athlon II X3 440

AMD

Athlon 64 X2 5800+

2 Cores2 Thrd89 WWMax: 3 GHz2008
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Athlon II X3 440

3 Cores3 Thrd95 WWMax: 3 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Athlon 64 X2 5800+ vs Athlon II X3 440 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 X2 5800+ vs Athlon II X3 440 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 5800+ vs Athlon II X3 440: 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 5800+

2008

Why buy it

  • +0.1% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 89W instead of 95W, a 6W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.6 vs 23.2 PassMark/$ ($230 MSRP vs $75 MSRP).

Athlon II X3 440

2010

Why buy it

  • Costs $155 less on MSRP ($75 MSRP vs $230 MSRP).
  • Delivers 206.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.2 vs 7.6 PassMark/$ ($75 MSRP vs $230 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,743 vs 1,745).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon 64 X2 5800+ better than Athlon II X3 440?
Yes. Athlon 64 X2 5800+ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon 64 X2 5800+ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon 64 X2 5800+ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Athlon 64 X2 5800+ comes in 206.7% more expensive on MSRP at $230 MSRP versus $75 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon II X3 440 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 206.3% better value on paper (23.2 vs 7.6 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Athlon II X3 440 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon 64 X2 5800+ vs Athlon II X3 440 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon 64 X2 5800+

The Athlon 64 X2 5800+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Brisbane (2007−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,745 points. Launch price was $149.

AMD

Athlon II X3 440

The Athlon II X3 440 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Rana (2009−2011) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,743 points. Launch price was $47.

Processing Power

The Athlon 64 X2 5800+ packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Athlon II X3 440 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Athlon II X3 440 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 5800+ versus 3 GHz on the Athlon II X3 440 — identical boost frequencies. The Athlon 64 X2 5800+ uses the Brisbane (2007−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Athlon II X3 440 uses Rana (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 X2 5800+ scores 1,745 against the Athlon II X3 440's 1,743 — a 0.1% lead for the Athlon 64 X2 5800+. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureAthlon 64 X2 5800+Athlon II X3 440
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
3 / 3+50%
Boost Clock
3 GHz
3 GHz
Base Clock
3 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
512 kB
512 kB (per core)
Process
65 nm
45 nm-31%
Architecture
Brisbane (2007−2008)
Rana (2009−2011)
PassMark
1,745
1,743
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon 64 X2 5800+ uses the AM2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon II X3 440 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 5800+ versus DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X3 440 — the Athlon II X3 440 supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X3 440 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 5800+) and AMD AM3 (Athlon II X3 440).

FeatureAthlon 64 X2 5800+Athlon II X3 440
Socket
AM2
AM3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR2-800
DDR3-1333+67%
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
32 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
0
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon 64 X2 5800+ was priced at $230, while the Athlon II X3 440 came in at $75. On launch pricing ($230 vs $75), Athlon II X3 440 was $155 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 X2 5800+ delivers 7.6 pts/$ vs 23.2 pts/$ for the Athlon II X3 440 — making the Athlon II X3 440 the 101.6% better value option.

FeatureAthlon 64 X2 5800+Athlon II X3 440
MSRP
$230
$75-67%
Performance per Dollar
7.6
23.2+205%
Release Date
2008
2010

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