Core i3-4020Y vs Phenom II X3 700e

Core i3-4020Y vs Phenom II X3 700e Performance Spectrum

Core i3-4020Y

2 / 4

1,448

0.0%

1,451

+0.2%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

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 i3-4020Y vs Phenom II X3 700e 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 i3-4020Y vs Phenom II X3 700e: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4020Y

2013

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4200, while Phenom II X3 700e needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,448 vs 1,451).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.

Phenom II X3 700e

2009

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $125 MSRP, while Core i3-4020Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4020Y can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X3 700e better than Core i3-4020Y?

Yes. Phenom II X3 700e is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% 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 700e is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% more average FPS across 48 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 700e is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% 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 700e is the better buy right now. Phenom II X3 700e comes in at an unclear MSRP at $125 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-4020Y 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 i3-4020Y vs Phenom II X3 700e Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4020Y

The Core i3-4020Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 1.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 11.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,448 points. Launch price was $304.

Phenom II X3 700e

The Phenom II X3 700e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Heka (2009−2010) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,451 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-4020Y packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X3 700e offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom II X3 700e has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 1.5 GHz on the Core i3-4020Y versus 2.4 GHz on the Phenom II X3 700e — a 46.2% clock advantage for the Phenom II X3 700e (base: 1.5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i3-4020Y uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom II X3 700e uses Heka (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4020Y scores 1,448 against the Phenom II X3 700e's 1,451 — a 0.2% lead for the Phenom II X3 700e. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-4020Y vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X3 700e.

Feature	Core i3-4020Y	Phenom II X3 700e
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	3 / 3+50%
Boost Clock	1.5 GHz	2.4 GHz+60%
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	2.4 GHz+60%
L3 Cache	3 MB	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Heka (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,448	1,451
Geekbench 6 Single	—	250
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	650

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4020Y uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X3 700e uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i3-4020Y versus DDR3-1333 on the Phenom II X3 700e — the Core i3-4020Y supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-4020Y) vs 16 (Phenom II X3 700e) — the Phenom II X3 700e offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: BGA1168 (Core i3-4020Y) and AM3,AM2+ (Phenom II X3 700e).

Feature	Core i3-4020Y	Phenom II X3 700e
Socket	FCBGA1168	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: true (Core i3-4020Y) vs AMD-V (Phenom II X3 700e). The Core i3-4020Y includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4200), while the Phenom II X3 700e requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Phenom II X3 700e targets Legacy Desktop.