Athlon II X3 415e vs Core i7-620LM

AMD

Athlon II X3 415e

3 Cores3 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2010
VS
Intel

Core i7-620LM

2 Cores4 Thrd25 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Athlon II X3 415e vs Core i7-620LM 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 Core i7-620LM 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 Core i7-620LM: 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

  • +1.2% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $225 less on MSRP ($75 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
  • Delivers 304.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.7 vs 4.9 PassMark/$ ($75 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • 80% higher power demand at 45W vs 25W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-620LM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-620LM

2010

Why buy it

  • Draws 25W instead of 45W, a 20W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Athlon II X3 415e needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,463 vs 1,481).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.9 vs 19.7 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $75 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X3 415e better than Core i7-620LM?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-620LM is ahead with a 2.6% 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 1.2% 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 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon II X3 415e is the better buy right now. Athlon II X3 415e comes in $225 cheaper on MSRP at $75 MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.2% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-620LM is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 304.9% better value on MSRP (19.7 vs 4.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-620LM is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Athlon II X3 415e vs Core i7-620LM 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

Core i7-620LM

The Core i7-620LM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,463 points. Launch price was $300.

Processing Power

The Athlon II X3 415e packs 3 cores / 3 threads, while the Core i7-620LM offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Athlon II X3 415e has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Athlon II X3 415e versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-620LM — a 11.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-620LM (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Athlon II X3 415e uses the Rana (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-620LM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X3 415e scores 1,481 against the Core i7-620LM's 1,463 — a 1.2% lead for the Athlon II X3 415e. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X3 415e vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-620LM.

FeatureAthlon II X3 415eCore i7-620LM
Cores / Threads
3 / 3+50%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.5 GHz
2.8 GHz+12%
Base Clock
2.5 GHz+25%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
4 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)+100%
256 kB (per core)
Process
45 nm
32 nm-29%
Architecture
Rana (2009−2011)
Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark
1,481+1%
1,463
Geekbench 6 Single
450
Geekbench 6 Multi
900
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X3 415e uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-620LM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X3 415e versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i7-620LM — the Athlon II X3 415e supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X3 415e supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon II X3 415e) vs 16 (Core i7-620LM) — the Core i7-620LM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM3 (Athlon II X3 415e) and QM57,HM55 (Core i7-620LM).

FeatureAthlon II X3 415eCore i7-620LM
Socket
AM3
BGA1288
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333+25%
DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB+300%
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Athlon II X3 415e) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-620LM). The Core i7-620LM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Athlon II X3 415e requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-620LM targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i7-620LM rivals Ryzen 5 3500U.

FeatureAthlon II X3 415eCore i7-620LM
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X3 415e was priced at $75, while the Core i7-620LM came in at $300. On launch pricing ($75 vs $300), Athlon II X3 415e was $225 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X3 415e delivers 19.7 pts/$ vs 4.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-620LM — making the Athlon II X3 415e the 120.8% better value option.

FeatureAthlon II X3 415eCore i7-620LM
MSRP
$75-75%
$300
Performance per Dollar
19.7+302%
4.9
Release Date
2010
2010

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