Athlon Neo MV-40 vs Phenom II X2 B57

AMD

Athlon Neo MV-40

1 Cores1 Thrd512 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X2 B57

2 Cores2 Thrd80 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Athlon Neo MV-40 vs Phenom II X2 B57 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 Neo MV-40 vs Phenom II X2 B57 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 Neo MV-40 vs Phenom II X2 B57: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Athlon Neo MV-40

2009

Why buy it

  • +1.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $100 MSRP, while Phenom II X2 B57 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 540% higher power demand at 512W vs 80W.

Phenom II X2 B57

2010

Why buy it

  • Draws 80W instead of 512W, a 432W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,260 vs 1,274).

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X2 B57 better than Athlon Neo MV-40?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Phenom II X2 B57 is ahead with a 1.3% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Athlon Neo MV-40 pulls ahead with 1.1% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon Neo MV-40 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Phenom II X2 B57 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Phenom II X2 B57 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon Neo MV-40 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (12.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on ASB1.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Phenom II X2 B57 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon Neo MV-40 vs Phenom II X2 B57 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon Neo MV-40

The Athlon Neo MV-40 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Huron (2009) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: ASB1. Thermal design power (TDP): 512 kB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,274 points. Launch price was $149.

AMD

Phenom II X2 B57

The Phenom II X2 B57 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Callisto (2009−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,260 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Athlon Neo MV-40 packs 1 cores / 1 threads, while the Phenom II X2 B57 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Phenom II X2 B57 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Athlon Neo MV-40 versus 3.2 GHz on the Phenom II X2 B57 — a 66.7% clock advantage for the Phenom II X2 B57. The Athlon Neo MV-40 uses the Huron (2009) architecture (65 nm), while the Phenom II X2 B57 uses Callisto (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon Neo MV-40 scores 1,274 against the Phenom II X2 B57's 1,260 — a 1.1% lead for the Athlon Neo MV-40.

FeatureAthlon Neo MV-40Phenom II X2 B57
Cores / Threads
1 / 1
2 / 2+100%
Boost Clock
1.6 GHz
3.2 GHz+100%
Base Clock
3.2 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512 kB
512 kB (per core)
Process
65 nm
45 nm-31%
Architecture
Huron (2009)
Callisto (2009−2010)
PassMark
1,274+1%
1,260
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon Neo MV-40 uses the ASB1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom II X2 B57 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAthlon Neo MV-40Phenom II X2 B57
Socket
ASB1
AM3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR2-667
Max RAM Capacity
4 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
0