Athlon X4 750K vs Core i7-920

AMD

Athlon X4 750K

4 Cores4 Thrd100 WWMax: 4 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-920

4 Cores8 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.93 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Athlon X4 750K vs Core i7-920 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 X4 750K vs Core i7-920 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 X4 750K vs Core i7-920: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Athlon X4 750K

2012

Why buy it

  • Costs $193 less on MSRP ($91 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).
  • Delivers 213.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 31.6 vs 10.1 PassMark/$ ($91 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 9900% higher power demand at 100W vs 1W.

Core i7-920

2008

Why buy it

  • Draws 1W instead of 100W, a 99W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,866 vs 2,879).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.1 vs 31.6 PassMark/$ ($284 MSRP vs $91 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon X4 750K better than Core i7-920?
Yes. Athlon X4 750K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% 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 X4 750K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% 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 X4 750K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon X4 750K is the better buy right now. Athlon X4 750K comes in $193 cheaper on MSRP at $91 MSRP versus $284 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 213.5% better value on MSRP (31.6 vs 10.1 PassMark/$), 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 X4 750K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Athlon X4 750K vs Core i7-920 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon X4 750K

The Athlon X4 750K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 2,879 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Core i7-920

The Core i7-920 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Novembro 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,866 points. Launch price was $340.

Processing Power

The Athlon X4 750K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-920's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Athlon X4 750K versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-920 — a 30.9% clock advantage for the Athlon X4 750K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Athlon X4 750K uses the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-920 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon X4 750K scores 2,879 against the Core i7-920's 2,866 — a 0.5% lead for the Athlon X4 750K.

FeatureAthlon X4 750KCore i7-920
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
4 GHz+37%
2.93 GHz
Base Clock
3.4 GHz+28%
2.66 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
4 MB (total)+1500%
256 kB (per core)
Process
32 nm-29%
45 nm
Architecture
Trinity (2012−2013)
Bloomfield (2008−2010)
PassMark
2,879
2,866
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon X4 750K uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-920 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAthlon X4 750KCore i7-920
Socket
FM2
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1866
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon X4 750K was priced at $91, while the Core i7-920 came in at $284. On launch pricing ($91 vs $284), Athlon X4 750K was $193 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon X4 750K delivers 31.6 pts/$ vs 10.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-920 — making the Athlon X4 750K the 103.3% better value option.

FeatureAthlon X4 750KCore i7-920
MSRP
$91-68%
$284
Performance per Dollar
31.6+213%
10.1
Release Date
2012
2008

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