Athlon II X2 220 vs Celeron G440

AMD

Athlon II X2 220

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Celeron G440

1 Cores1 Thrd35 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Athlon II X2 220 vs Celeron G440 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 X2 220 vs Celeron G440 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 X2 220 vs Celeron G440: 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 X2 220

2010

Why buy it

  • +1.1% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $5 less on MSRP ($32 MSRP vs $37 MSRP).
  • Delivers 16.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 32.7 vs 28.0 PassMark/$ ($32 MSRP vs $37 MSRP).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Celeron G440.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (285 vs 300).
  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Celeron G440 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Celeron G440

2011

Why buy it

  • +5.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), while Athlon II X2 220 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,035 vs 1,046).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 28.0 vs 32.7 PassMark/$ ($37 MSRP vs $32 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon II X2 220.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G440 better than Athlon II X2 220?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron G440 is ahead with a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X2 220 pulls ahead with 1.1% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X2 220 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron G440 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Celeron G440 comes in 15.6% more expensive on MSRP at $37 MSRP versus $32 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon II X2 220 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 16.9% better value on paper (32.7 vs 28.0 PassMark/$), 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?
Celeron G440 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X2 220 vs Celeron G440 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon II X2 220

The Athlon II X2 220 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 21 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,046 points. Launch price was $32.

Intel

Celeron G440

The Celeron G440 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB. L2 cache: 256 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,035 points. Launch price was $45.

Processing Power

The Athlon II X2 220 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Celeron G440 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Athlon II X2 220 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Athlon II X2 220 versus 1.6 GHz on the Celeron G440 — a 54.5% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 220 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Athlon II X2 220 uses the Regor (2009−2013) architecture (45 nm), while the Celeron G440 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X2 220 scores 1,046 against the Celeron G440's 1,035 — a 1.1% lead for the Athlon II X2 220. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 285 vs 300, a 5.1% lead for the Celeron G440 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X2 220 vs 1 MB on the Celeron G440.

FeatureAthlon II X2 220Celeron G440
Cores / Threads
2 / 2+100%
1 / 1
Boost Clock
2.8 GHz+75%
1.6 GHz
Base Clock
2.8 GHz+75%
1.6 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
1 MB
L2 Cache
512 kB+100%
256 kB
Process
45 nm
32 nm-29%
Architecture
Regor (2009−2013)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
1,046+1%
1,035
Geekbench 6 Single
285
300+5%
Geekbench 6 Multi
500
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X2 220 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron G440 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Athlon II X2 220 versus DDR3-1066 on the Celeron G440 — the Athlon II X2 220 supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G440 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. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon II X2 220) vs 16 (Celeron G440) — the Celeron G440 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AM2+,AM3 (Athlon II X2 220) and H61,B65,H67,Z68 (Celeron G440).

FeatureAthlon II X2 220Celeron G440
Socket
AM3
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
1333+25%
DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
32 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Athlon II X2 220) vs VT-x (Celeron G440). The Celeron G440 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)), while the Athlon II X2 220 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G440 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 220 rivals Pentium E5500; Celeron G440 rivals Pentium G630.

FeatureAthlon II X2 220Celeron G440
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
None
HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
VT-x
Target Use
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X2 220 was priced at $32, while the Celeron G440 came in at $37. On launch pricing ($32 vs $37), Athlon II X2 220 was $5 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X2 220 delivers 32.7 pts/$ vs 28.0 pts/$ for the Celeron G440 — making the Athlon II X2 220 the 15.5% better value option.

FeatureAthlon II X2 220Celeron G440
MSRP
$32-14%
$37
Performance per Dollar
32.7+17%
28.0
Release Date
2010
2011

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