Athlon II X3 425 vs Core i5-3339Y

AMD

Athlon II X3 425

3 Cores3 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-3339Y

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Athlon II X3 425 vs Core i5-3339Y 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 425 vs Core i5-3339Y 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 425 vs Core i5-3339Y: 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 425

2009

Why buy it

  • Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $79 MSRP, while Core i5-3339Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3339Y can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-3339Y

2013

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Athlon II X3 425 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,589 vs 1,595).
  • 438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X3 425 better than Core i5-3339Y?
Yes. Athlon II X3 425 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Athlon II X3 425 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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 425 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon II X3 425 is the better buy right now. Athlon II X3 425 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $79 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (20.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-3339Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X3 425 vs Core i5-3339Y Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon II X3 425

The Athlon II X3 425 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,595 points. Launch price was $42.

Intel

Core i5-3339Y

The Core i5-3339Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 13 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,589 points. Launch price was $250.

Processing Power

The Athlon II X3 425 packs 3 cores / 3 threads, while the Core i5-3339Y offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Athlon II X3 425 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Athlon II X3 425 versus 2 GHz on the Core i5-3339Y — a 29.8% clock advantage for the Athlon II X3 425 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). The Athlon II X3 425 uses the Rana (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-3339Y uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X3 425 scores 1,595 against the Core i5-3339Y's 1,589 — a 0.4% lead for the Athlon II X3 425. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X3 425 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3339Y.

FeatureAthlon II X3 425Core i5-3339Y
Cores / Threads
3 / 3+50%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.7 GHz+35%
2 GHz
Base Clock
2.7 GHz+80%
1.5 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)+100%
256K (per core)
Process
45 nm
22 nm-51%
Architecture
Rana (2009−2011)
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark
1,595
1,589
Geekbench 6 Single
368
Geekbench 6 Multi
707
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X3 425 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-3339Y uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X3 425 versus 1600 on the Core i5-3339Y — the Core i5-3339Y supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon II X3 425) vs 16 (Core i5-3339Y) — the Core i5-3339Y offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM3 (Athlon II X3 425) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3339Y).

FeatureAthlon II X3 425Core i5-3339Y
Socket
AM3
BGA1023
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Athlon II X3 425) / true (Core i5-3339Y). The Core i5-3339Y includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Athlon II X3 425 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-3339Y rivals AMD A8-4555M.

FeatureAthlon II X3 425Core i5-3339Y
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
true