Athlon II X4 638 vs Core i7-940XM

Athlon II X4 638 vs Core i7-940XM Performance Spectrum

Athlon II X4 638

4 / 4

2,260

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i7-940XM

4 / 8

2,269

+0.4%

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 i7-940XM 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 i7-940XM: 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

✅Costs $796 less on MSRP ($300 MSRP vs $1,096 MSRP).
✅Delivers 263.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 7.5 vs 2.1 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $1,096 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-940XM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,260 vs 2,269).
❌18.2% higher power demand at 65W vs 55W.

Core i7-940XM

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 55W instead of 65W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 2.1 vs 7.5 PassMark/$ ($1,096 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-940XM better than Athlon II X4 638?

Yes. Core i7-940XM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-940XM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-940XM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-940XM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-940XM comes in 265.3% more expensive on MSRP at $1,096 MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon II X4 638 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 263.9% better value on paper (7.5 vs 2.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on FM1.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Athlon II X4 638 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X4 638 vs Core i7-940XM 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 i7-940XM

The Core i7-940XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 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: 2,269 points. Launch price was $1,096.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon II X4 638 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-940XM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Athlon II X4 638 versus 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-940XM — a 20.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-940XM (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Athlon II X4 638 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-940XM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X4 638 scores 2,260 against the Core i7-940XM's 2,269 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-940XM. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X4 638 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-940XM.

Feature	Athlon II X4 638	Core i7-940XM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.33 GHz+23%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+27%	2.13 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,260	2,269

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X4 638 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-940XM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the Athlon II X4 638 versus 1333 on the Core i7-940XM — the Athlon II X4 638 supports 40% 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 8 GB — 700% 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 PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-940XM).

Feature	Athlon II X4 638	Core i7-940XM
Socket	FM1	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866+40%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+700%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Athlon II X4 638) / true (Core i7-940XM). Direct competitor: Core i7-940XM rivals Core i7-2720QM.

Feature	Athlon II X4 638	Core i7-940XM
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	—	Yes
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X4 638 was priced at $300, while the Core i7-940XM came in at $1096. On launch pricing ($300 vs $1096), Athlon II X4 638 was $796 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X4 638 delivers 7.5 pts/$ vs 2.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-940XM — making the Athlon II X4 638 the 113.8% better value option.

Feature	Athlon II X4 638	Core i7-940XM
MSRP	$300-73%	$1096
Performance per Dollar	7.5+257%	2.1
Release Date	2012	2010

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