Athlon XP 2800+ vs Sempron 3100+

AMD

Athlon XP 2800+

1 Cores1 Thrd74 WWMax: 2.25 GHz2001
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Sempron 3100+

1 Cores1 Thrd62 WWMax: 1.8 GHz2001
Similar parts
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Athlon XP 2800+ vs Sempron 3100+ 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 2800+ vs Sempron 3100+ 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 2800+ vs Sempron 3100+: 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 2800+

2001

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +10.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 1.0 vs 5.7 PassMark/$ ($375 MSRP vs $65 MSRP).
  • 19.4% higher power demand at 74W vs 62W.

Sempron 3100+

2001

Why buy it

  • Costs $310 less on MSRP ($65 MSRP vs $375 MSRP).
  • Delivers 464.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 5.7 vs 1.0 PassMark/$ ($65 MSRP vs $375 MSRP).
  • Draws 62W instead of 74W, a 12W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon XP 2800+ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (372 vs 380).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon XP 2800+ better than Sempron 3100+?
Yes. Athlon XP 2800+ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.2% 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 2800+ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.9% 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 XP 2800+ is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.2% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon XP 2800+ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Athlon XP 2800+ comes in 476.9% more expensive on MSRP at $375 MSRP versus $65 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Sempron 3100+ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2001 platform. Even with 464.8% better value on paper (5.7 vs 1.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on 754.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Athlon XP 2800+ 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 2800+ vs Sempron 3100+ Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon XP 2800+

The Athlon XP 2800+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Barton (2001−2004) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.25 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: A. Thermal design power (TDP): 74 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 380 points. Launch price was $149.

AMD

Sempron 3100+

The Sempron 3100+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Janeiro 2001 (24 years ago). It is based on the Palermo (2001−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 256 kB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 754. Thermal design power (TDP): 62 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 372 points. Launch price was $60.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon XP 2800+ and Sempron 3100+ share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.25 GHz on the Athlon XP 2800+ versus 1.8 GHz on the Sempron 3100+ — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Athlon XP 2800+. The Athlon XP 2800+ uses the Barton (2001−2004) architecture (130 nm), while the Sempron 3100+ uses Palermo (2001−2005) (130 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon XP 2800+ scores 380 against the Sempron 3100+'s 372 — a 2.1% lead for the Athlon XP 2800+. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureAthlon XP 2800+Sempron 3100+
Cores / Threads
1 / 1
1 / 1
Boost Clock
2.25 GHz+25%
1.8 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
512K+100%
256 kB
Process
130 nm
130 nm
Architecture
Barton (2001−2004)
Palermo (2001−2005)
PassMark
380+2%
372
Geekbench 6 Single
250
Geekbench 6 Multi
250
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon XP 2800+ uses the A socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Sempron 3100+ uses 754 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR-333 on the Athlon XP 2800+ versus DDR 400 MHz on the Sempron 3100+ — the Sempron 3100+ supports -220.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Sempron 3100+ supports up to 3 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 1-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: KT400,nForce2 Ultra 400 (Athlon XP 2800+) and nForce3,VIA K8T800 (Sempron 3100+).

FeatureAthlon XP 2800+Sempron 3100+
Socket
A
754
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed
DDR-333
DDR 400 MHz
Max RAM Capacity
2 GB
3 GB+50%
RAM Channels
1
1
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
0
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Advanced Features

Only the Athlon XP 2800+ has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: None (Athlon XP 2800+) vs false (Sempron 3100+). Primary use case: Athlon XP 2800+ targets Legacy Desktop, Sempron 3100+ targets Budget.

FeatureAthlon XP 2800+Sempron 3100+
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
None
false
Target Use
Legacy Desktop
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon XP 2800+ was priced at $375, while the Sempron 3100+ came in at $65. On launch pricing ($375 vs $65), Sempron 3100+ was $310 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon XP 2800+ delivers 1.0 pts/$ vs 5.7 pts/$ for the Sempron 3100+ — making the Sempron 3100+ the 139.8% better value option.

FeatureAthlon XP 2800+Sempron 3100+
MSRP
$375
$65-83%
Performance per Dollar
1.0
5.7+470%
Release Date
2001
2001

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