Athlon X4 845 vs Core i7-2710QE

AMD

Athlon X4 845

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2016
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-2710QE

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Athlon X4 845 vs Core i7-2710QE 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 i7-2710QE 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 i7-2710QE: 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

  • Costs $308 less on MSRP ($70 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
  • Delivers 442.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 53.8 vs 9.9 PassMark/$ ($70 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • 44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2710QE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-2710QE

2011

Why buy it

  • Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.
  • 150% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Athlon X4 845 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (3,749 vs 3,768).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.9 vs 53.8 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $70 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon X4 845 better than Core i7-2710QE?
Yes. Athlon X4 845 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% 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 0.1% 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 $308 cheaper on MSRP at $70 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 442.7% better value on MSRP (53.8 vs 9.9 PassMark/$), 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 i7-2710QE 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 i7-2710QE

The Core i7-2710QE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3 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, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,749 points. Launch price was $378.

Processing Power

The Athlon X4 845 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2710QE's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Athlon X4 845 versus 3 GHz on the Core i7-2710QE — a 23.5% clock advantage for the Athlon X4 845 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Athlon X4 845 uses the Carrizo (2015−2018) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i7-2710QE uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon X4 845 scores 3,768 against the Core i7-2710QE's 3,749 — a 0.5% lead for the Athlon X4 845.

FeatureAthlon X4 845Core i7-2710QE
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz+27%
3 GHz
Base Clock
3.5 GHz+67%
2.1 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
3,749
Geekbench 6 Single
604
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon X4 845 uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2710QE uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-2133 on the Athlon X4 845 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-2710QE — 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 16 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (Athlon X4 845) vs 20 (Core i7-2710QE) — the Core i7-2710QE offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD FM2+ (Athlon X4 845) and HM65,QM67 (Core i7-2710QE).

FeatureAthlon X4 845Core i7-2710QE
Socket
FM2+
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-2133+33%
DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+300%
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
8
20+150%
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Athlon X4 845) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2710QE). The Core i7-2710QE includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Athlon X4 845 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2710QE targets Embedded/Industrial. Direct competitor: Core i7-2710QE rivals Embedded R-Series.

FeatureAthlon X4 845Core i7-2710QE
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Embedded/Industrial
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon X4 845 was priced at $70, while the Core i7-2710QE came in at $378. On launch pricing ($70 vs $378), Athlon X4 845 was $308 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon X4 845 delivers 53.8 pts/$ vs 9.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-2710QE — making the Athlon X4 845 the 137.8% better value option.

FeatureAthlon X4 845Core i7-2710QE
MSRP
$70-81%
$378
Performance per Dollar
53.8+443%
9.9
Release Date
2016
2011

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