Athlon II M340 vs Core 2 Extreme X7800

AMD

Athlon II M340

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core 2 Extreme X7800

2 Cores2 Thrd4 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2007
Similar parts
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Athlon II M340 vs Core 2 Extreme X7800 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 II M340 vs Core 2 Extreme X7800 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 II M340 vs Core 2 Extreme X7800: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Athlon II M340

2009

Why buy it

  • Draws 1W instead of 4W, a 3W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,115 vs 1,138).
  • Launch MSRP is still $80 MSRP, while Core 2 Extreme X7800 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core 2 Extreme X7800

2007

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 300% higher power demand at 4W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Extreme X7800 better than Athlon II M340?
Yes. Core 2 Extreme X7800 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 2.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Extreme X7800 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Extreme X7800 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core 2 Extreme X7800 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Extreme X7800 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $80 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon II M340 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (13.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on S1g3.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Athlon II M340 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II M340 vs Core 2 Extreme X7800 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon II M340

The Athlon II M340 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Caspian (2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1g3. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,115 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Core 2 Extreme X7800

The Core 2 Extreme X7800 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 July 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Merom XE (2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 44 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,138 points. Launch price was $851.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon II M340 and Core 2 Extreme X7800 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Athlon II M340 versus 2.6 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme X7800 — a 16.7% clock advantage for the Core 2 Extreme X7800. The Athlon II M340 uses the Caspian (2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core 2 Extreme X7800 uses Merom XE (2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II M340 scores 1,115 against the Core 2 Extreme X7800's 1,138 — a 2% lead for the Core 2 Extreme X7800.

FeatureAthlon II M340Core 2 Extreme X7800
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.2 GHz
2.6 GHz+18%
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
L3 Cache
4 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache
1 MB
4 MB+300%
Process
45 nm-31%
65 nm
Architecture
Caspian (2009)
Merom XE (2007)
PassMark
1,115
1,138+2%
Geekbench 6 Single
858
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,500
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon II M340 uses the S1g3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Extreme X7800 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Athlon II M340 versus DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Extreme X7800 — the Athlon II M340 supports 19.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II M340 supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon II M340) vs 16 (Core 2 Extreme X7800) — the Core 2 Extreme X7800 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: RS880M (Athlon II M340) and Socket P (Core 2 Extreme X7800).

FeatureAthlon II M340Core 2 Extreme X7800
Socket
S1g3
PGA478
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0+82%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
DDR2-800+20%
DDR2-667
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB+100%
4 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
16
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Advanced Features

Only the Core 2 Extreme X7800 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Athlon II M340) vs VT-x (Core 2 Extreme X7800). Primary use case: Athlon II M340 targets Laptop.

FeatureAthlon II M340Core 2 Extreme X7800
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x
Target Use
Laptop