Athlon II X3 400e vs Turion 64 X2 TL-52

AMD

Athlon II X3 400e

3 Cores3 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Turion 64 X2 TL-52

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2006
Similar parts
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Athlon II X3 400e vs Turion 64 X2 TL-52 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 X3 400e vs Turion 64 X2 TL-52 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 X3 400e vs Turion 64 X2 TL-52: 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 X3 400e

2009

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,320 vs 1,324).
    • Launch MSRP is still $100 MSRP, while Turion 64 X2 TL-52 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • 4400% higher power demand at 45W vs 1W.

    Turion 64 X2 TL-52

    2006

    Why buy it

    • +0.3% higher PassMark.
    • Draws 1W instead of 45W, a 44W reduction.

    Trade-offs

    • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Athlon II X3 400e better than Turion 64 X2 TL-52?
    It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Athlon II X3 400e is ahead with 37.5% higher max boost clock. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Turion 64 X2 TL-52 pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Turion 64 X2 TL-52 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Athlon II X3 400e is the better buy right now. Athlon II X3 400e comes in at an unclear MSRP at $100 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 37.5% higher max boost clock. The compromise is that Turion 64 X2 TL-52 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.3% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Athlon II X3 400e makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Athlon II X3 400e vs Turion 64 X2 TL-52 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Athlon II X3 400e

    The Athlon II X3 400e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Rana (2009−2011) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,320 points. Launch price was $107.

    AMD

    Turion 64 X2 TL-52

    The Turion 64 X2 TL-52 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Trinidad (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,324 points. Launch price was $69.

    Processing Power

    The Athlon II X3 400e packs 3 cores / 3 threads, while the Turion 64 X2 TL-52 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Athlon II X3 400e has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Athlon II X3 400e versus 1.6 GHz on the Turion 64 X2 TL-52 — a 31.6% clock advantage for the Athlon II X3 400e. The Athlon II X3 400e uses the Rana (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Turion 64 X2 TL-52 uses Trinidad (2006−2007) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X3 400e scores 1,320 against the Turion 64 X2 TL-52's 1,324 — a 0.3% lead for the Turion 64 X2 TL-52.

    FeatureAthlon II X3 400eTurion 64 X2 TL-52
    Cores / Threads
    3 / 3+50%
    2 / 2
    Boost Clock
    2.2 GHz+38%
    1.6 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.2 GHz
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    512 kB (per core)
    1 MB+100%
    Process
    45 nm-50%
    90 nm
    Architecture
    Rana (2009−2011)
    Trinidad (2006−2007)
    PassMark
    1,320
    1,324