Athlon II X4 620e vs Core i3-4130T

AMD

Athlon II X4 620e

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2011
VS
Intel

Core i3-4130T

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2013

Athlon II X4 620e vs Core i3-4130T 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 X4 620e vs Core i3-4130T 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 X4 620e vs Core i3-4130T: 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 X4 620e

2011

Why buy it

  • βœ…+1% higher PassMark.
  • βœ…Costs $25 less on MSRP ($99 MSRP vs $124 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 26.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 29.4 vs 23.2 PassMark/$ ($99 MSRP vs $124 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • ❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.
  • ❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4130T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • ❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-4130T.

Core i3-4130T

2013

Why buy it

  • βœ…Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.
  • βœ…100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • βœ…Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4400, while Athlon II X4 620e needs a discrete GPU.
  • βœ…Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Athlon II X4 620e.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (2,876 vs 2,906).
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.2 vs 29.4 PassMark/$ ($124 MSRP vs $99 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4130T better than Athlon II X4 620e?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-4130T is ahead with a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X4 620e pulls ahead with 1% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X4 620e is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i3-4130T is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-4130T comes in 25.3% more expensive on MSRP at $124 MSRP versus $99 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon II X4 620e only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 26.6% better value on paper (29.4 vs 23.2 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i3-4130T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X4 620e vs Core i3-4130T Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon II X4 620e

The Athlon II X4 620e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Propus (2009βˆ’2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 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: 2,906 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Core i3-4130T

The Core i3-4130T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013βˆ’2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,876 points. Launch price was $270.

⚑

Processing Power

The Athlon II X4 620e packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-4130T offers 2 cores / 4 threads β€” the Athlon II X4 620e has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Athlon II X4 620e versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i3-4130T β€” a 10.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-4130T (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Athlon II X4 620e uses the Propus (2009βˆ’2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-4130T uses Haswell (2013βˆ’2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X4 620e scores 2,906 against the Core i3-4130T's 2,876 β€” a 1% lead for the Athlon II X4 620e. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X4 620e vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4130T.

FeatureAthlon II X4 620eCore i3-4130T
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.6 GHz
2.9 GHz+12%
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
2.9 GHz+12%
L3 Cache
0 kB
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)+100%
256 kB (per core)
Process
45 nm
22 nm-51%
Architecture
Propus (2009βˆ’2011)
Haswell (2013βˆ’2015)
PassMark
2,906+1%
2,876
Geekbench 6 Single
β€”
890
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X4 620e uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-4130T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X4 620e versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-4130T β€” the Core i3-4130T 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 X4 620e) vs 16 (Core i3-4130T) β€” the Core i3-4130T offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM3 (Athlon II X4 620e) and H81,B85,Q85,H87,Q87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i3-4130T).

FeatureAthlon II X4 620eCore i3-4130T
Socket
AM3
LGA1150
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
DDR3-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
0
16
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Athlon II X4 620e) / VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4130T). The Core i3-4130T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4400), while the Athlon II X4 620e requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4130T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-4130T rivals A8-7600.

FeatureAthlon II X4 620eCore i3-4130T
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
β€”
HD Graphics 4400
Unlocked
β€”
No
AVX-512
β€”
No
Virtualization
β€”
VT-x, EPT
Target Use
β€”
Low Power Desktop
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X4 620e was priced at $99, while the Core i3-4130T came in at $124. On launch pricing ($99 vs $124), Athlon II X4 620e was $25 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X4 620e delivers 29.4 pts/$ vs 23.2 pts/$ for the Core i3-4130T β€” making the Athlon II X4 620e the 23.4% better value option.

FeatureAthlon II X4 620eCore i3-4130T
MSRP
$99-20%
$124
Performance per Dollar
29.4+27%
23.2
Release Date
2011
2013

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.