Athlon II X4 640 vs Celeron G3930

AMD

Athlon II X4 640

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 3 GHz2010
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Celeron G3930

2 Cores2 Thrd51 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2017
Similar parts
·······

Athlon II X4 640 vs Celeron G3930 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 640 vs Celeron G3930 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 640 vs Celeron G3930: 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 640

2010

Why buy it

  • +21.1% higher Geekbench multi-core.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Celeron G3930.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (386 vs 750).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 28.3 vs 53.8 PassMark/$ ($80 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).
  • 86.3% higher power demand at 95W vs 51W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Celeron G3930 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Celeron G3930

2017

Why buy it

  • +94.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Costs $38 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $80 MSRP).
  • Delivers 89.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 53.8 vs 28.3 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $80 MSRP).
  • Draws 51W instead of 95W, a 44W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 610, while Athlon II X4 640 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,100 vs 1,332).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon II X4 640.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G3930 better than Athlon II X4 640?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron G3930 is ahead with a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X4 640 pulls ahead with 21.1% better Geekbench multi-core.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X4 640 is the stronger fit. You are getting 21.1% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron G3930 is the better buy right now. Celeron G3930 comes in $38 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $80 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Athlon II X4 640 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 21.1% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 89.9% better value on MSRP (53.8 vs 28.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Celeron G3930 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X4 640 vs Celeron G3930 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon II X4 640

The Athlon II X4 640 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 11 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Propus (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,266 points. Launch price was $80.

Intel

Celeron G3930

The Celeron G3930 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 2133, DDR3L 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,259 points. Launch price was $42.

Processing Power

The Athlon II X4 640 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Celeron G3930 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Athlon II X4 640 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Athlon II X4 640 versus 2.9 GHz on the Celeron G3930 — a 3.4% clock advantage for the Athlon II X4 640 (base: 3 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Athlon II X4 640 uses the Propus (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Celeron G3930 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X4 640 scores 2,266 against the Celeron G3930's 2,259 — a 0.3% lead for the Athlon II X4 640. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 386 vs 750, a 64.1% lead for the Celeron G3930 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,332 vs 1,100 (19.1% advantage for the Athlon II X4 640). L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X4 640 vs 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G3930.

FeatureAthlon II X4 640Celeron G3930
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 2
Boost Clock
3 GHz+3%
2.9 GHz
Base Clock
3 GHz+3%
2.9 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
2 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)+100%
256K (per core)
Process
45 nm
14 nm-69%
Architecture
Propus (2009−2011)
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark
2,266
2,259
Cinebench R23 Multi
1,471
Geekbench 6 Single
386
750+94%
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,332+21%
1,100
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X4 640 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron G3930 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X4 640 versus DDR4-2400 on the Celeron G3930 — the Celeron G3930 supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3930 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AM2+,AM3 (Athlon II X4 640) and H110,B250,H270,Z270 (Celeron G3930).

FeatureAthlon II X4 640Celeron G3930
Socket
AM3
LGA1151
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
DDR4-2400+80%
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
64 GB+300%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Athlon II X4 640) vs VT-x (Celeron G3930). The Celeron G3930 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 610), while the Athlon II X4 640 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Athlon II X4 640 targets Budget, Celeron G3930 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Athlon II X4 640 rivals Core 2 Quad Q8300; Celeron G3930 rivals Pentium G4560.

FeatureAthlon II X4 640Celeron G3930
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 610
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x
Target Use
Budget
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X4 640 was priced at $80, while the Celeron G3930 came in at $42. On launch pricing ($80 vs $42), Celeron G3930 was $38 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X4 640 delivers 28.3 pts/$ vs 53.8 pts/$ for the Celeron G3930 — making the Celeron G3930 the 62% better value option.

FeatureAthlon II X4 640Celeron G3930
MSRP
$80
$42-48%
Performance per Dollar
28.3
53.8+90%
Release Date
2010
2017

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.