Athlon X2 340 vs Core i5-480M
Athlon X2 340
Core i5-480M
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Athlon X2 340 is positioned at rank 462 and the Core i5-480M is on rank 6, so the Core i5-480M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon X2 340
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-480M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon X2 340 | Core i5-480M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($77) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Trinity (2012−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon X2 340 | Core i5-480M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+416%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($77) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Athlon X2 340 and Core i5-480M
Athlon X2 340
The Athlon X2 340 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,333 points. Launch price was $149.
Core i5-480M
The Core i5-480M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,327 points. Launch price was $81.
Processing Power
The Athlon X2 340 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-480M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Athlon X2 340 versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-480M — a 20.5% clock advantage for the Athlon X2 340 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Athlon X2 340 uses the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-480M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon X2 340 scores 1,333 against the Core i5-480M's 1,327 — a 0.5% lead for the Athlon X2 340.
| Feature | Athlon X2 340 | Core i5-480M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz+23% | 2.93 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+20% | 2.66 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (total)+300% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Trinity (2012−2013) | Arrandale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,333 | 1,327 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 397 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 549 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon X2 340 uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-480M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Athlon X2 340 versus 1066 on the Core i5-480M — the Core i5-480M supports 198.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon X2 340 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75,A85X,A88X (Athlon X2 340) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-480M).
| Feature | Athlon X2 340 | Core i5-480M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FM2 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | 1066+35433% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+419430300% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Athlon X2 340) vs true (Core i5-480M). The Core i5-480M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Athlon X2 340 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Athlon X2 340 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-480M rivals AMD Turion II M620.
| Feature | Athlon X2 340 | Core i5-480M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | true |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Athlon X2 340 launched at $30 MSRP, while the Core i5-480M debuted at $81. At current prices ($15 vs $77), the Athlon X2 340 is $62 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon X2 340 delivers 88.9 pts/$ vs 17.2 pts/$ for the Core i5-480M — making the Athlon X2 340 the 135% better value option.
| Feature | Athlon X2 340 | Core i5-480M |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $30-63% | $81 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-81% | $77 |
| Performance per Dollar | 88.9+417% | 17.2 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2011 |
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