Athlon II X4 638 vs Core i3-3220

Athlon II X4 638 vs Core i3-3220 Performance Spectrum

Athlon II X4 638

4 / 4

2,260

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-3220

2 / 4

2,276

+0.7%

Celeron 847

Core i3-530

Pentium Dual Core T2390

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 638 vs Core i3-3220 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 638 vs Core i3-3220: 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 638

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,260 vs 2,276).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.5 vs 19.5 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3220 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-3220.

Core i3-3220

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $183 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Delivers 158.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.5 vs 7.5 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2500, while Athlon II X4 638 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Athlon II X4 638.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3220 better than Athlon II X4 638?

Yes. Core i3-3220 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 30 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3220 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% more average FPS across 30 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3220 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-3220 is the better buy right now. Core i3-3220 comes in $183 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 30 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 158.2% better value on MSRP (19.5 vs 7.5 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3220 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Athlon II X4 638 vs Core i3-3220 Technical Specifications

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

Athlon II X4 638

The Athlon II X4 638 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,260 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i3-3220

The Core i3-3220 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,276 points. Launch price was $117.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon II X4 638 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-3220 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Athlon II X4 638 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Athlon II X4 638 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-3220 — a 20% clock advantage for the Core i3-3220 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Athlon II X4 638 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-3220 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X4 638 scores 2,260 against the Core i3-3220's 2,276 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-3220. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X4 638 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3220.

Feature	Athlon II X4 638	Core i3-3220
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.3 GHz+22%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	3.3 GHz+22%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,260	2,276
Geekbench 6 Single	—	503

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X4 638 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-3220 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the Athlon II X4 638 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3220 — the Athlon II X4 638 supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X4 638 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AMD FM1 (Athlon II X4 638) and B75,Z75,Z77,H77,Q75,Q77,H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-3220).

Feature	Athlon II X4 638	Core i3-3220
Socket	FM1	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866+17%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Athlon II X4 638) / VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3220). The Core i3-3220 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Athlon II X4 638 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3220 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3220 rivals FX-4300.

Feature	Athlon II X4 638	Core i3-3220
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 2500
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, EPT
Target Use	—	Budget Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X4 638 was priced at $300, while the Core i3-3220 came in at $117. On launch pricing ($300 vs $117), Core i3-3220 was $183 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X4 638 delivers 7.5 pts/$ vs 19.5 pts/$ for the Core i3-3220 — making the Core i3-3220 the 88.3% better value option.

Feature	Athlon II X4 638	Core i3-3220
MSRP	$300	$117-61%
Performance per Dollar	7.5	19.5+160%
Release Date	2012	2012

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