Athlon II X3 415e vs Celeron N4000

AMD

Athlon II X3 415e

3 Cores3 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Celeron N4000

2 Cores2 Thrd6 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2017
Similar parts
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Athlon II X3 415e vs Celeron N4000 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 415e vs Celeron N4000 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 415e vs Celeron N4000: 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 415e

2010

Why buy it

  • +0.6% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $32 less on MSRP ($75 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).
  • Delivers 43.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.7 vs 13.8 PassMark/$ ($75 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • 650% higher power demand at 45W vs 6W.

Celeron N4000

2017

Why buy it

  • Draws 6W instead of 45W, a 39W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,472 vs 1,481).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.8 vs 19.7 PassMark/$ ($107 MSRP vs $75 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron N4000 better than Athlon II X3 415e?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron N4000 is ahead with a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X3 415e pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X3 415e is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron N4000 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Celeron N4000 comes in 42.7% more expensive on MSRP at $107 MSRP versus $75 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon II X3 415e only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 43.5% better value on paper (19.7 vs 13.8 PassMark/$), 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 N4000 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X3 415e vs Celeron N4000 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon II X3 415e

The Athlon II X3 415e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 11 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Rana (2009−2011) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 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: 1,481 points. Launch price was $75.

Intel

Celeron N4000

The Celeron N4000 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 December 2017 (7 years ago). It is based on the Goldmont Plus (2017) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1090. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,472 points. Launch price was $107.

Processing Power

The Athlon II X3 415e packs 3 cores / 3 threads, while the Celeron N4000 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Athlon II X3 415e has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Athlon II X3 415e versus 2.6 GHz on the Celeron N4000 — a 3.9% clock advantage for the Celeron N4000 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Athlon II X3 415e uses the Rana (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Celeron N4000 uses Goldmont Plus (2017) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X3 415e scores 1,481 against the Celeron N4000's 1,472 — a 0.6% lead for the Athlon II X3 415e. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X3 415e vs 4 MB on the Celeron N4000.

FeatureAthlon II X3 415eCeleron N4000
Cores / Threads
3 / 3+50%
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.5 GHz
2.6 GHz+4%
Base Clock
2.5 GHz+127%
1.1 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
4 MB
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)
4 MB+700%
Process
45 nm
14 nm-69%
Architecture
Rana (2009−2011)
Goldmont Plus (2017)
PassMark
1,481
1,472
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X3 415e uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron N4000 uses FCBGA1090 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAthlon II X3 415eCeleron N4000
Socket
AM3
FCBGA1090
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
0
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X3 415e was priced at $75, while the Celeron N4000 came in at $107. On launch pricing ($75 vs $107), Athlon II X3 415e was $32 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X3 415e delivers 19.7 pts/$ vs 13.8 pts/$ for the Celeron N4000 — making the Athlon II X3 415e the 35.8% better value option.

FeatureAthlon II X3 415eCeleron N4000
MSRP
$75-30%
$107
Performance per Dollar
19.7+43%
13.8
Release Date
2010
2017

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