Athlon II X4 631 vs Core 2 Duo P7350

AMD

Athlon II X4 631

4 Cores4 Thrd100 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core 2 Duo P7350

2 Cores2 Thrd3 WWMax: 2 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Athlon II X4 631 vs Core 2 Duo P7350 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 631 vs Core 2 Duo P7350 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 631 vs Core 2 Duo P7350: 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 631

2011

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,118 vs 2,140).
  • Launch MSRP is still $80 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo P7350 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 3233.3% higher power demand at 100W vs 3W.

Core 2 Duo P7350

2008

Why buy it

  • +1% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 3W instead of 100W, a 97W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X4 631 better than Core 2 Duo P7350?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Athlon II X4 631 is ahead with a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo P7350 pulls ahead with 1% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo P7350 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon II X4 631 is the better buy right now. Athlon II X4 631 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $80 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Duo P7350 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (26.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Athlon II X4 631 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X4 631 vs Core 2 Duo P7350 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon II X4 631

The Athlon II X4 631 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) 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: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,118 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Core 2 Duo P7350

The Core 2 Duo P7350 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,140 points. Launch price was $249.

Processing Power

The Athlon II X4 631 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Duo P7350 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Athlon II X4 631 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Athlon II X4 631 versus 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P7350 — a 26.1% clock advantage for the Athlon II X4 631 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Athlon II X4 631 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo P7350 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X4 631 scores 2,118 against the Core 2 Duo P7350's 2,140 — a 1% lead for the Core 2 Duo P7350. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X4 631 vs 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P7350.

FeatureAthlon II X4 631Core 2 Duo P7350
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.6 GHz+30%
2 GHz
Base Clock
2.6 GHz+30%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
3 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
3 MB+200%
Process
32 nm-29%
45 nm
Architecture
Llano (2011−2012)
Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark
2,118
2,140+1%
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X4 631 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo P7350 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the Athlon II X4 631 versus 1066 on the Core 2 Duo P7350 — the Athlon II X4 631 supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X4 631 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Athlon II X4 631) vs 0 (Core 2 Duo P7350) — the Athlon II X4 631 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD FM1 (Athlon II X4 631) and GM45,GS45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo P7350).

FeatureAthlon II X4 631Core 2 Duo P7350
Socket
FM1
PGA478
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0+82%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1866+75%
1066
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+700%
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
0
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Athlon II X4 631) / true (Core 2 Duo P7350). Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo P7350 rivals Athlon II M300.

FeatureAthlon II X4 631Core 2 Duo P7350
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
true