Athlon II X2 245e vs E2-3800

AMD

Athlon II X2 245e

2 Cores2 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2010
Similar parts
·······
VS
AMD

E2-3800

4 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 1.3 GHz2013
Similar parts
·······

Athlon II X2 245e vs E2-3800 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 245e vs E2-3800 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 245e vs E2-3800: 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 245e

2010

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +3.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $13 less on MSRP ($87 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
  • Delivers 15.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.1 vs 11.4 PassMark/$ ($87 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • 200% higher power demand at 45W vs 15W.
  • No integrated graphics, while E2-3800 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

E2-3800

2013

Why buy it

  • Draws 15W instead of 45W, a 30W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 8280, while Athlon II X2 245e needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon II X2 245e across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (389 vs 741).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.4 vs 13.1 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $87 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X2 245e better than E2-3800?
Yes. Athlon II X2 245e is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 90.5% better Geekbench multi-core, and 0.4% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Athlon II X2 245e is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.5% 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, Athlon II X2 245e is the stronger fit. You are getting 90.5% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon II X2 245e is the better buy right now. Athlon II X2 245e comes in $13 cheaper on MSRP at $87 MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 15.4% better value on MSRP (13.1 vs 11.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
E2-3800 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X2 245e vs E2-3800 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon II X2 245e

The Athlon II X2 245e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 11 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,141 points. Launch price was $80.

AMD

E2-3800

The E2-3800 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Kabini (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.3 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FT3. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,136 points. Launch price was $50.

Processing Power

The Athlon II X2 245e packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the E2-3800 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the E2-3800 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Athlon II X2 245e versus 1.3 GHz on the E2-3800 — a 76.2% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 245e. The Athlon II X2 245e uses the Regor (2009−2013) architecture (45 nm), while the E2-3800 uses Kabini (2013−2014) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X2 245e scores 1,141 against the E2-3800's 1,136 — a 0.4% lead for the Athlon II X2 245e. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 319 vs 136, a 80.4% lead for the Athlon II X2 245e that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 741 vs 389 (62.3% advantage for the Athlon II X2 245e).

FeatureAthlon II X2 245eE2-3800
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
2.9 GHz+123%
1.3 GHz
Base Clock
2.9 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
L2 Cache
1 MB
2048 kB+100%
Process
45 nm
28 nm-38%
Architecture
Regor (2009−2013)
Kabini (2013−2014)
PassMark
1,141
1,136
Geekbench 6 Single
319+135%
136
Geekbench 6 Multi
741+90%
389
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X2 245e uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the E2-3800 uses FT3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X2 245e versus DDR3-1600 on the E2-3800 — the E2-3800 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Athlon II X2 245e) vs 1 (E2-3800). Chipset compatibility: 760G,770,780G,785G,790FX,790GX (Athlon II X2 245e) and SoC (E2-3800).

FeatureAthlon II X2 245eE2-3800
Socket
AM3
FT3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
DDR3-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
16 GB
RAM Channels
2+100%
1
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
4
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: AMD-V (Athlon II X2 245e) vs Yes (E2-3800). The E2-3800 includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 8280), while the Athlon II X2 245e requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Athlon II X2 245e targets Budget. Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 245e rivals Athlon II X2 270u.

FeatureAthlon II X2 245eE2-3800
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 8280
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Yes
Target Use
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X2 245e was priced at $87, while the E2-3800 came in at $100. On launch pricing ($87 vs $100), Athlon II X2 245e was $13 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X2 245e delivers 13.1 pts/$ vs 11.4 pts/$ for the E2-3800 — making the Athlon II X2 245e the 14.3% better value option.

FeatureAthlon II X2 245eE2-3800
MSRP
$87-13%
$100
Performance per Dollar
13.1+15%
11.4
Release Date
2010
2013

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.