Core i3-4010U vs Phenom II X3 B73

Core i3-4010U vs Phenom II X3 B73 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-4010U

2 / 4

1,660

0.0%

1,671

+0.7%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core i3-4010U vs Phenom II X3 B73 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.

Core i3-4010U vs Phenom II X3 B73: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4010U

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4400, while Phenom II X3 B73 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,660 vs 1,671).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.

Phenom II X3 B73

2009

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4010U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X3 B73 better than Core i3-4010U?

Yes. Phenom II X3 B73 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Phenom II X3 B73 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.4% 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, Phenom II X3 B73 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Phenom II X3 B73 still makes the most sense overall. Phenom II X3 B73 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-4010U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-4010U vs Phenom II X3 B73 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4010U

The Core i3-4010U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 1.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,660 points. Launch price was $281.

Phenom II X3 B73

The Phenom II X3 B73 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Heka (2009−2010) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,671 points. Launch price was $75.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-4010U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X3 B73 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom II X3 B73 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 1.7 GHz on the Core i3-4010U versus 2.8 GHz on the Phenom II X3 B73 — a 48.9% clock advantage for the Phenom II X3 B73 (base: 1.7 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i3-4010U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom II X3 B73 uses Heka (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4010U scores 1,660 against the Phenom II X3 B73's 1,671 — a 0.7% lead for the Phenom II X3 B73. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4010U vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X3 B73.

Feature	Core i3-4010U	Phenom II X3 B73
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	3 / 3+50%
Boost Clock	1.7 GHz	2.8 GHz+65%
Base Clock	1.7 GHz	2.8 GHz+65%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB (per core)+100%
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Heka (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,660	1,671

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4010U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X3 B73 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-4010U	Phenom II X3 B73
Socket	FCBGA1168	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	12	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-4010U) / not specified (Phenom II X3 B73). The Core i3-4010U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4400), while the Phenom II X3 B73 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4010U targets Mobile.