Athlon X2 450 vs Core i3-390M

Athlon X2 450 vs Core i3-390M Performance Spectrum

Athlon X2 450

2 / 2

1,295

+0.2%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-390M

2 / 4

1,292

0.0%

Atom D2550

Pentium T3400

Pentium E5400

Pentium Dual Core T4200

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 X2 450 vs Core i3-390M 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 X2 450 vs Core i3-390M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Athlon X2 450

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock Cooler), unlike Core i3-390M.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $60 MSRP, while Core i3-390M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-390M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-390M

2011

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics, while Athlon X2 450 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,292 vs 1,295).
❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon X2 450.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon X2 450 better than Core i3-390M?

Yes. Athlon X2 450 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Athlon X2 450 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.4% 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, Athlon X2 450 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Athlon X2 450 is the better buy right now. Athlon X2 450 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $60 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (21.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Athlon X2 450 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Athlon X2 450 vs Core i3-390M Technical Specifications

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

Athlon X2 450

The Athlon X2 450 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,295 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i3-390M

The Core i3-390M 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 0.67 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: 1,292 points. Launch price was $39.

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Processing Power

The Athlon X2 450 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-390M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Athlon X2 450 versus 0.67 GHz on the Core i3-390M — a 141.4% clock advantage for the Athlon X2 450 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Athlon X2 450 uses the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i3-390M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon X2 450 scores 1,295 against the Core i3-390M's 1,292 — a 0.2% lead for the Athlon X2 450.

Feature	Athlon X2 450	Core i3-390M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+482%	0.67 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+32%	2.66 GHz
L3 Cache	—	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (total)	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaveri (2014−2015)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,295	1,292
Cinebench R23 Multi	1,500	—
Geekbench 6 Single	450	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	800	—

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Memory & Platform

The Athlon X2 450 uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-390M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the Athlon X2 450 versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i3-390M — the Athlon X2 450 supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon X2 450 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Athlon X2 450	Core i3-390M
Socket	FM2+	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866+75%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Athlon X2 450) vs VT-x (Core i3-390M). The Core i3-390M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Athlon X2 450 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Athlon X2 450 targets Basic Desktop, Core i3-390M targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Athlon X2 450 rivals Core i3-3220.