Athlon X4 880K vs Core i5-2380P

AMD

Athlon X4 880K

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2015
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Core i5-2380P

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2012
Similar parts
·······

Athlon X4 880K vs Core i5-2380P 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 880K vs Core i5-2380P 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 880K vs Core i5-2380P: 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 880K

2015

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +11.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $82 less on MSRP ($95 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).
  • Delivers 87.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 38.4 vs 20.5 PassMark/$ ($95 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2380P.

Core i5-2380P

2012

Why buy it

  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Athlon X4 880K.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon X4 880K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (3,636 vs 3,649).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.5 vs 38.4 PassMark/$ ($177 MSRP vs $95 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon X4 880K better than Core i5-2380P?
Yes. Athlon X4 880K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 11.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% 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 880K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.9% 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 880K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon X4 880K is the better buy right now. Athlon X4 880K comes in $82 cheaper on MSRP at $95 MSRP versus $177 MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 87.0% better value on MSRP (38.4 vs 20.5 PassMark/$), 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 880K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Athlon X4 880K vs Core i5-2380P Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon X4 880K

The Athlon X4 880K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,649 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Core i5-2380P

The Core i5-2380P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,636 points. Launch price was $180.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon X4 880K and Core i5-2380P share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Athlon X4 880K versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-2380P — a 21.1% clock advantage for the Athlon X4 880K (base: 4 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Athlon X4 880K uses the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i5-2380P uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon X4 880K scores 3,649 against the Core i5-2380P's 3,636 — a 0.4% lead for the Athlon X4 880K.

FeatureAthlon X4 880KCore i5-2380P
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
4.2 GHz+24%
3.4 GHz
Base Clock
4 GHz+29%
3.1 GHz
L3 Cache
6144 kB (total)
L2 Cache
4 MB+1500%
256 kB (per core)
Process
28 nm-13%
32 nm
Architecture
Godaveri (2014−2016)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
3,649
3,636
Geekbench 6 Single
624
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon X4 880K uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2380P uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-2133 on the Athlon X4 880K versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2380P — the Athlon X4 880K supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon X4 880K 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. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AMD FM2+ (Athlon X4 880K) and H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Core i5-2380P).

FeatureAthlon X4 880KCore i5-2380P
Socket
FM2+
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-2133+60%
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+100%
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Athlon X4 880K) / VT-x, EPT (Core i5-2380P). Primary use case: Core i5-2380P targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2380P rivals FX-4100.

FeatureAthlon X4 880KCore i5-2380P
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, EPT
Target Use
Legacy Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon X4 880K was priced at $95, while the Core i5-2380P came in at $177. On launch pricing ($95 vs $177), Athlon X4 880K was $82 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon X4 880K delivers 38.4 pts/$ vs 20.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-2380P — making the Athlon X4 880K the 60.6% better value option.

FeatureAthlon X4 880KCore i5-2380P
MSRP
$95-46%
$177
Performance per Dollar
38.4+87%
20.5
Release Date
2015
2012

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.