Athlon X4 845 vs Core i7-2670QM

AMD

Athlon X4 845

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2016
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-2670QM

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Athlon X4 845 vs Core i7-2670QM 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 845 vs Core i7-2670QM 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 845 vs Core i7-2670QM: 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 845

2016

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Launch MSRP is still $70 MSRP, while Core i7-2670QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • 44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.
    • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2670QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

    Core i7-2670QM

    2011

    Why buy it

    • Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.
    • 100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
    • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Athlon X4 845 needs a discrete GPU.

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (3,748 vs 3,768).

    Quick Answers

    So, is Athlon X4 845 better than Core i7-2670QM?
    Yes. Athlon X4 845 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.3% 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 845 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.3% 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 845 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 845 is the better buy right now. Athlon X4 845 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $70 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (53.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 X4 845 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2011) 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 845 vs Core i7-2670QM Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Athlon X4 845

    The Athlon X4 845 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Carrizo (2015−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,768 points. Launch price was $149.

    Intel

    Core i7-2670QM

    The Core i7-2670QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,748 points. Launch price was $378.

    Processing Power

    The Athlon X4 845 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2670QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Athlon X4 845 versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-2670QM — a 20.3% clock advantage for the Athlon X4 845 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Athlon X4 845 uses the Carrizo (2015−2018) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i7-2670QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon X4 845 scores 3,768 against the Core i7-2670QM's 3,748 — a 0.5% lead for the Athlon X4 845.

    FeatureAthlon X4 845Core i7-2670QM
    Cores / Threads
    4 / 4
    4 / 8
    Boost Clock
    3.8 GHz+23%
    3.1 GHz
    Base Clock
    3.5 GHz+59%
    2.2 GHz
    L3 Cache
    6 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    2 MB
    256K (per core)+12700%
    Process
    28 nm-13%
    32 nm
    Architecture
    Carrizo (2015−2018)
    Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
    PassMark
    3,768
    3,748
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Athlon X4 845 uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2670QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-2133 on the Athlon X4 845 versus 1600 on the Core i7-2670QM — the Athlon X4 845 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon X4 845 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (Athlon X4 845) vs 16 (Core i7-2670QM) — the Core i7-2670QM offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD FM2+ (Athlon X4 845) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2670QM).

    FeatureAthlon X4 845Core i7-2670QM
    Socket
    FM2+
    PGA988
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0+50%
    PCIe 2.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR3-2133+33%
    1600
    Max RAM Capacity
    64 GB+100%
    32 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    8
    16+100%
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: not specified (Athlon X4 845) / true (Core i7-2670QM). The Core i7-2670QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Athlon X4 845 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2670QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.

    FeatureAthlon X4 845Core i7-2670QM
    Integrated GPU
    No
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    Intel HD Graphics 3000
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    true