Athlon XP 2400+ vs Pentium 4 2.26

AMD

Athlon XP 2400+

1 Cores1 Thrd68 WWMax: 2 GHz2002
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium 4 2.26

1 Cores1 Thrd110 WWMax: 2.26 GHz2002
Similar parts
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Athlon XP 2400+ vs Pentium 4 2.26 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 XP 2400+ vs Pentium 4 2.26 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 XP 2400+ vs Pentium 4 2.26: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Athlon XP 2400+

2002

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +14.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $48 less on MSRP ($193 MSRP vs $241 MSRP).
  • Delivers 29.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 1.6 vs 1.2 PassMark/$ ($193 MSRP vs $241 MSRP).
  • Draws 68W instead of 110W, a 42W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Pentium 4 2.26

2002

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon XP 2400+ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower PassMark (295 vs 305).
    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 1.2 vs 1.6 PassMark/$ ($241 MSRP vs $193 MSRP).
    • 61.8% higher power demand at 110W vs 68W.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Athlon XP 2400+ better than Pentium 4 2.26?
    Yes. Athlon XP 2400+ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 14.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 3.4% 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 XP 2400+ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 14.3% 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 XP 2400+ is the stronger fit. You are getting 3.4% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Athlon XP 2400+ is the better buy right now. Athlon XP 2400+ comes in $48 cheaper on MSRP at $193 MSRP versus $241 MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 29.1% better value on MSRP (1.6 vs 1.2 PassMark/$), 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 XP 2400+ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 1 cores / 1 threads instead of 1/1. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Athlon XP 2400+ vs Pentium 4 2.26 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Athlon XP 2400+

    The Athlon XP 2400+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Agosto 2002 (23 years ago). It is based on the Thorton (2001−2003) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 256 kB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: A. Thermal design power (TDP): 68 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 305 points. Launch price was $90.

    Intel

    Pentium 4 2.26

    The Pentium 4 2.26 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.26 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 110 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 295 points. Launch price was $69.

    Processing Power

    Both the Athlon XP 2400+ and Pentium 4 2.26 share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Athlon XP 2400+ versus 2.26 GHz on the Pentium 4 2.26 — a 12.2% clock advantage for the Pentium 4 2.26. The Athlon XP 2400+ uses the Thorton (2001−2003) architecture (130 nm), while the Pentium 4 2.26 uses NetBurst (2000−2006) (130 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon XP 2400+ scores 305 against the Pentium 4 2.26's 295 — a 3.3% lead for the Athlon XP 2400+. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

    FeatureAthlon XP 2400+Pentium 4 2.26
    Cores / Threads
    1 / 1
    1 / 1
    Boost Clock
    2 GHz
    2.26 GHz+13%
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    256 kB
    512 kB+100%
    Process
    130 nm
    130 nm
    Architecture
    Thorton (2001−2003)
    NetBurst (2000−2006)
    PassMark
    305+3%
    295
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Athlon XP 2400+ uses the A socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium 4 2.26 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureAthlon XP 2400+Pentium 4 2.26
    Socket
    A
    PGA478
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 1.1
    PCIe 1.1
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR-266
    Max RAM Capacity
    4 GB
    RAM Channels
    1
    ECC Support
    Yes
    PCIe Lanes
    0
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Athlon XP 2400+ was priced at $193, while the Pentium 4 2.26 came in at $241. On launch pricing ($193 vs $241), Athlon XP 2400+ was $48 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon XP 2400+ delivers 1.6 pts/$ vs 1.2 pts/$ for the Pentium 4 2.26 — making the Athlon XP 2400+ the 25.4% better value option.

    FeatureAthlon XP 2400+Pentium 4 2.26
    MSRP
    $193-20%
    $241
    Performance per Dollar
    1.6+33%
    1.2
    Release Date
    2002
    2002

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