Athlon II X3 425e vs Pentium P6100

AMD

Athlon II X3 425e

3 Cores3 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium P6100

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WWMax: 2 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Athlon II X3 425e vs Pentium P6100 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 425e vs Pentium P6100 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 425e vs Pentium P6100: 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 425e

2011

Why buy it

  • Costs $21 less on MSRP ($79 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
  • Delivers 26.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.3 vs 22.4 PassMark/$ ($79 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,239 vs 2,245).
  • 28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.

Pentium P6100

2010

Why buy it

  • +0.3% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 22.4 vs 28.3 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $79 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X3 425e better than Pentium P6100?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Athlon II X3 425e is ahead with a 1.5% average FPS lead across 39 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Pentium P6100 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, Pentium P6100 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 425e is the better buy right now. Athlon II X3 425e comes in $21 cheaper on MSRP at $79 MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 39 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Pentium P6100 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.3% better PassMark. It is also 26.2% better value on MSRP (28.3 vs 22.4 PassMark/$), 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 425e makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X3 425e vs Pentium P6100 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon II X3 425e

The Athlon II X3 425e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. 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): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,239 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Pentium P6100

The Pentium P6100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,245 points. Launch price was $12.

Processing Power

The Athlon II X3 425e packs 3 cores / 3 threads, while the Pentium P6100 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Athlon II X3 425e has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Athlon II X3 425e versus 2 GHz on the Pentium P6100 — a 29.8% clock advantage for the Athlon II X3 425e (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Athlon II X3 425e uses the Rana (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium P6100 uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X3 425e scores 2,239 against the Pentium P6100's 2,245 — a 0.3% lead for the Pentium P6100. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X3 425e vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium P6100.

FeatureAthlon II X3 425ePentium P6100
Cores / Threads
3 / 3+50%
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.7 GHz+35%
2 GHz
Base Clock
2.7 GHz+35%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)+100%
256K (per core)
Process
45 nm
32 nm-29%
Architecture
Rana (2009−2011)
Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark
2,239
2,245
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X3 425e uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium P6100 uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAthlon II X3 425ePentium P6100
Socket
AM3
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
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 425e was priced at $79, while the Pentium P6100 came in at $100. On launch pricing ($79 vs $100), Athlon II X3 425e was $21 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X3 425e delivers 28.3 pts/$ vs 22.4 pts/$ for the Pentium P6100 — making the Athlon II X3 425e the 23.2% better value option.

FeatureAthlon II X3 425ePentium P6100
MSRP
$79-21%
$100
Performance per Dollar
28.3+26%
22.4
Release Date
2011
2010

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