Athlon II X4 615e
VS
Core i7-920XM

Athlon II X4 615e vs Core i7-920XM

AMD

Athlon II X4 615e

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2010
VS
Intel

Core i7-920XM

4 Cores8 Thrd55 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2009

Performance Spectrum - CPU

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Athlon II X4 615e is positioned at rank 983 and the Core i7-920XM is on rank 876, so the Core i7-920XM offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Athlon II X4 615e

#1
Ryzen 9 7950X
MSRP: $194|Avg: $20
28729%
#2
Core i9-10900T
MSRP: $120|Avg: $5
27147%
#3
Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE
MSRP: $423|Avg: $5
19711%
#4
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85
5938%
#5
Ryzen 9 9950X
MSRP: $649|Avg: $129
4704%
#6
Ryzen 5 8400F
MSRP: $303|Avg: $55
4115%
#7
Ryzen 7 PRO 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $60
2357%
#8
Ryzen 5 2600X
MSRP: $229|Avg: $55
2326%
#9
Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G
MSRP: $150|Avg: $60
2118%
#10
Core Ultra 5 245KF
MSRP: $294|Avg: $189
2118%
#11
Ryzen 5 5500
MSRP: $159|Avg: $85
2094%
#12
Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $80
2037%
#13
Core i3-9100E
MSRP: $202|Avg: $30
2009%
#14
Core Ultra 5 245K
MSRP: $319|Avg: $200
2001%
#15
Core i3-8300T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $25
1983%
#304
Core i7-6950X
MSRP: $1723|Avg: $180
94%
#983
Athlon II X4 615e
MSRP: $186|Avg: $30
100%
#984
Athlon X2 BE-2350
MSRP: $90|Avg: $10
100%
#985
Core 2 Quad Q8300
MSRP: $179|Avg: $10
99%
#986
Core i7-860
MSRP: $284|Avg: $30
98%
#987
Core i7-870
MSRP: $300|Avg: $80
97%
#988
Athlon 64 X2 5000+
MSRP: $136|Avg: $42
97%
#989
Core i3-6102E
MSRP: $225|Avg: $35
96%
#990
Pentium Dual-Core E2160
MSRP: $84|Avg: $5
96%
#991
Pentium Dual-Core E2210
MSRP: $98|Avg: $15
95%
#992
Core 2 Duo E7500
MSRP: $113|Avg: $10
94%
#993
Core 2 Quad Q9505
MSRP: $213|Avg: $150
94%
#996
Core i7-930
MSRP: $294|Avg: $20
94%
#997
Core i7-920
MSRP: $284|Avg: $79
93%
#998
Core i7-4960X
MSRP: $990|Avg: $136
93%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-920XM

#864
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
1457%
#865
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
1435%
#866
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
1318%
#867
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
1312%
#868
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
1300%
#870
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
1255%
#871
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
1204%
#872
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
1202%
#873
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
1169%
#876
Core i7-920XM
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#877
Microsoft SQ1
MSRP: $300|Avg: $180
100%
#879
Core i5-6440HQ
MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A
100%
#882
Celeron Dual-Core T1600
MSRP: $150|Avg: $150
99%
#884
Athlon II N330
MSRP: $100|Avg: $50
99%
#889
Core i7-7820EQ
MSRP: $378|Avg: $378
98%
#890
Celeron 7305
MSRP: $128|Avg: $107
98%
#891
E-300
MSRP: $60|Avg: $20
97%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Performance Trade-off: The Core i7-920XM leads in gaming performance. However, the Athlon II X4 615e is the stronger candidate for professional workloads, offering 0.2% greater multi-core processing power.
InsightAthlon II X4 615eCore i7-920XM
Gaming
Lower gaming performance
Superior gaming performance
Workstation
Better multi-core power
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price
⚠️ Higher cost ($30)
More affordable ($0)
Longevity
🛑 Legacy (Propus (2009−2011) / 45 nm)
🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

InsightAthlon II X4 615eCore i7-920XM
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost
⚠️ Higher cost ($30)
More affordable ($0)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.

Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Athlon II X4 615e and Core i7-920XM

AMD

Athlon II X4 615e

The Athlon II X4 615e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 21 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Propus (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 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: 2,018 points. Launch price was $59.

Intel

Core i7-920XM

The Core i7-920XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,014 points. Launch price was $1,054.

Processing Power

The Athlon II X4 615e packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-920XM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Athlon II X4 615e versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-920XM — a 24.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-920XM (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Athlon II X4 615e uses the Propus (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-920XM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X4 615e scores 2,018 against the Core i7-920XM's 2,014 — a 0.2% lead for the Athlon II X4 615e. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X4 615e vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-920XM.

FeatureAthlon II X4 615eCore i7-920XM
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
2.5 GHz
3.2 GHz+28%
Base Clock
2.5 GHz+25%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)+100%
256 kB (per core)
Process
45 nm
45 nm
Architecture
Propus (2009−2011)
Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark
2,018
2,014
Cinebench R23 Multi
1,161
Geekbench 6 Single
331
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,161
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X4 615e uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-920XM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X4 615e versus 1333 on the Core i7-920XM — the Core i7-920XM supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X4 615e supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AMD 870,AMD 880G,AMD 890FX,AMD 990FX (Athlon II X4 615e) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-920XM).

FeatureAthlon II X4 615eCore i7-920XM
Socket
AM3
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
1333+44333%
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB+209715100%
8
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Athlon II X4 615e) vs true (Core i7-920XM). Primary use case: Athlon II X4 615e targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Athlon II X4 615e rivals Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300; Core i7-920XM rivals Core i7-2720QM.

FeatureAthlon II X4 615eCore i7-920XM
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
Yes
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
true
Target Use
Gaming