CPU
GPU
Core i3-2105
Phenom X4 9600B
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-2105 is positioned at rank 935 and the Phenom X4 9600B is on rank 1055, so the Core i3-2105 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2105
Performance Per Dollar Phenom X4 9600B
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2105 | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Agena (2007−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2105 | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+50%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-2105 and Phenom X4 9600B
Core i3-2105
The Core i3-2105 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,837 points. Launch price was $145.
Phenom X4 9600B
The Phenom X4 9600B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,842 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i3-2105 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom X4 9600B offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9600B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2105 versus 2.3 GHz on the Phenom X4 9600B — a 29.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-2105. The Core i3-2105 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom X4 9600B uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2105 scores 1,837 against the Phenom X4 9600B's 1,842 — a 0.3% lead for the Phenom X4 9600B. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2105 vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9600B.
| Feature | Core i3-2105 | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz+35% | 2.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total)+50% | 2 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512 kB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Agena (2007−2008) |
| PassMark | 1,837 | 1,842 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-2105 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom X4 9600B uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2105 versus DDR2-1066 on the Phenom X4 9600B — the Core i3-2105 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2105 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-2105) vs 0 (Phenom X4 9600B) — the Core i3-2105 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i3-2105 | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | AM2+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333+50% | DDR2-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+100% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i3-2105) vs AMD-V (Phenom X4 9600B). The Core i3-2105 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Phenom X4 9600B requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2105 targets Desktop, Phenom X4 9600B targets Business.
| Feature | Core i3-2105 | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 3000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Desktop | Business |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-2105 launched at $138 MSRP, while the Phenom X4 9600B debuted at $278. At current prices ($30 vs $20), the Phenom X4 9600B is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2105 delivers 61.2 pts/$ vs 92.1 pts/$ for the Phenom X4 9600B — making the Phenom X4 9600B the 40.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-2105 | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $138-50% | $278 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30 | $20-33% |
| Performance per Dollar | 61.2 | 92.1+50% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2008 |
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