Athlon II X2 220 vs Pentium T4200

AMD

Athlon II X2 220

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium T4200

35 WW2009
Similar parts
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Athlon II X2 220 vs Pentium T4200 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 Pentium T4200 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 Pentium T4200: 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

  • Costs $67 less on MSRP ($32 MSRP vs $99 MSRP).
  • Delivers 206.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 32.7 vs 10.7 PassMark/$ ($32 MSRP vs $99 MSRP).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Pentium T4200.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,046 vs 1,055).
  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Pentium T4200

2009

Why buy it

  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.7 vs 32.7 PassMark/$ ($99 MSRP vs $32 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon II X2 220.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium T4200 better than Athlon II X2 220?
Yes. Pentium T4200 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 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Pentium T4200 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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, Pentium T4200 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Pentium T4200 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Pentium T4200 comes in 209.4% more expensive on MSRP at $99 MSRP versus $32 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon II X2 220 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 206.7% better value on paper (32.7 vs 10.7 PassMark/$), 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 X2 220 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X2 220 vs Pentium T4200 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

Pentium T4200

The Pentium T4200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. Base frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,055 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Athlon II X2 220 is built on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Athlon II X2 220 scores 1,046 against the Pentium T4200's 1,055 — a 0.9% lead for the Pentium T4200. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X2 220 vs 1 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium T4200.

FeatureAthlon II X2 220Pentium T4200
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.8 GHz
Base Clock
2.8 GHz+40%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
1 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache
512 kB
Process
45 nm
45 nm
Architecture
Regor (2009−2013)
PassMark
1,046
1,055
Geekbench 6 Single
285
Geekbench 6 Multi
500
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X2 220 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium T4200 uses PGA478 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAthlon II X2 220Pentium T4200
Socket
AM3
PGA478
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
1333
Max RAM Capacity
16
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
0
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Athlon II X2 220) / not specified (Pentium T4200). Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 220 rivals Pentium E5500.

FeatureAthlon II X2 220Pentium T4200
Integrated GPU
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
true
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X2 220 was priced at $32, while the Pentium T4200 came in at $99. On launch pricing ($32 vs $99), Athlon II X2 220 was $67 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X2 220 delivers 32.7 pts/$ vs 10.7 pts/$ for the Pentium T4200 — making the Athlon II X2 220 the 101.7% better value option.

FeatureAthlon II X2 220Pentium T4200
MSRP
$32-68%
$99
Performance per Dollar
32.7+206%
10.7
Release Date
2010
2009

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