Core i3-4020Y vs Phenom X3 8750

Intel

Core i3-4020Y

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 1.5 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom X3 8750

3 Cores3 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Core i3-4020Y vs Phenom X3 8750 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.

Core i3-4020Y vs Phenom X3 8750 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 X3 8750: 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

  • +0.2% higher PassMark.
  • +50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4200, while Phenom X3 8750 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • 438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.

Phenom X3 8750

2008

Why buy it

  • Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,445 vs 1,448).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Launch MSRP is still $195 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 X3 8750 better than Core i3-4020Y?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Phenom X3 8750 is ahead with a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4020Y pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark. Core i3-4020Y also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4020Y is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Phenom X3 8750 is the better buy right now. Phenom X3 8750 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $195 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-4020Y is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2008), 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 3/3. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-4020Y vs Phenom X3 8750 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

Phenom X3 8750

The Phenom X3 8750 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Toliman (2008) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 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: 1,445 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i3-4020Y packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom X3 8750 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom X3 8750 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 1.5 GHz on the Core i3-4020Y versus 2.4 GHz on the Phenom X3 8750 — a 46.2% clock advantage for the Phenom X3 8750. The Core i3-4020Y uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom X3 8750 uses Toliman (2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4020Y scores 1,448 against the Phenom X3 8750's 1,445 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-4020Y. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-4020Y vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X3 8750.

FeatureCore i3-4020YPhenom X3 8750
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
3 / 3+50%
Boost Clock
1.5 GHz
2.4 GHz+60%
Base Clock
1.5 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB+50%
2 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512 kB
512 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm-66%
65 nm
Architecture
Haswell (2013−2015)
Toliman (2008)
PassMark
1,448
1,445
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4020Y uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom X3 8750 uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i3-4020YPhenom X3 8750
Socket
FCBGA1168
AM2+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
1600
Max RAM Capacity
16
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
12
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i3-4020Y) / not specified (Phenom X3 8750). The Core i3-4020Y includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4200), while the Phenom X3 8750 requires a dedicated GPU.

FeatureCore i3-4020YPhenom X3 8750
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 4200
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
true