Athlon II X3 415e vs Pentium M 735

AMD

Athlon II X3 415e

3 Cores3 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium M 735

1 Cores1 Thrd21 WWMax: 1.7 GHz2004
Similar parts
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Athlon II X3 415e vs Pentium M 735 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 Pentium M 735 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 Pentium M 735: 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

  • Better for gaming: +3.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $219 less on MSRP ($75 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
  • Delivers 297.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.7 vs 5.0 PassMark/$ ($75 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • 114.3% higher power demand at 45W vs 21W.

Pentium M 735

2004

Why buy it

  • Draws 21W instead of 45W, a 24W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon II X3 415e across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (1,459 vs 1,481).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.0 vs 19.7 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $75 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X3 415e better than Pentium M 735?
Yes. Athlon II X3 415e is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.5% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Athlon II X3 415e is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.2% 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, Athlon II X3 415e is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.5% 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 $219 cheaper on MSRP at $75 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 297.9% better value on MSRP (19.7 vs 5.0 PassMark/$), 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 415e makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2004) and more multi-core headroom with 3 cores / 3 threads instead of 1/1. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Athlon II X3 415e vs Pentium M 735 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

Pentium M 735

The Pentium M 735 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Dothan (2004−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 1.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 7.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,459 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Athlon II X3 415e packs 3 cores / 3 threads, while the Pentium M 735 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Athlon II X3 415e has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Athlon II X3 415e versus 1.7 GHz on the Pentium M 735 — a 38.1% clock advantage for the Athlon II X3 415e (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Athlon II X3 415e uses the Rana (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium M 735 uses Dothan (2004−2005) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X3 415e scores 1,481 against the Pentium M 735's 1,459 — a 1.5% lead for the Athlon II X3 415e. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureAthlon II X3 415ePentium M 735
Cores / Threads
3 / 3+200%
1 / 1
Boost Clock
2.5 GHz+47%
1.7 GHz
Base Clock
2.5 GHz+47%
1.7 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)
2 MB+300%
Process
45 nm-50%
90 nm
Architecture
Rana (2009−2011)
Dothan (2004−2005)
PassMark
1,481+2%
1,459
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X3 415e uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium M 735 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X3 415e versus DDR-333 on the Pentium M 735 — the Athlon II X3 415e supports -500.3% 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 2 GB 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Athlon II X3 415e) vs 1 (Pentium M 735). Both provide 0 PCIe lanes.

FeatureAthlon II X3 415ePentium M 735
Socket
AM3
PGA478
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0+82%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
DDR-333
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB+1500%
2 GB
RAM Channels
2+100%
1
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
0
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Athlon II X3 415e) / None (Pentium M 735). Primary use case: Pentium M 735 targets Mobile Legacy.

FeatureAthlon II X3 415ePentium M 735
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
None
Target Use
Mobile Legacy
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X3 415e was priced at $75, while the Pentium M 735 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($75 vs $294), Athlon II X3 415e was $219 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X3 415e delivers 19.7 pts/$ vs 5.0 pts/$ for the Pentium M 735 — making the Athlon II X3 415e the 119.7% better value option.

FeatureAthlon II X3 415ePentium M 735
MSRP
$75-74%
$294
Performance per Dollar
19.7+294%
5.0
Release Date
2010
2004

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