Core i3-4150 vs Phenom II X6 1065T

Intel

Core i3-4150

2 Cores4 Thrd54 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X6 1065T

6 Cores6 Thrd125 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Core i3-4150 vs Phenom II X6 1065T 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 i3-4150 vs Phenom II X6 1065T 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 i3-4150 vs Phenom II X6 1065T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4150

2014

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +8.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $145 less on MSRP ($281 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
  • Delivers 51.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 12.1 vs 8.0 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
  • Draws 54W instead of 125W, a 71W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (3,406 vs 3,412).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).

Phenom II X6 1065T

2010

Why buy it

  • +0.2% higher PassMark.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-4150 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.0 vs 12.1 PassMark/$ ($426 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
  • 131.5% higher power demand at 125W vs 54W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4150 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-4150.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4150 better than Phenom II X6 1065T?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-4150 is ahead with a 8.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X6 1065T pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark. Phenom II X6 1065T also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X6 1065T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 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?
Core i3-4150 is the better buy right now. Core i3-4150 comes in $145 cheaper on MSRP at $281 MSRP versus $426 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Phenom II X6 1065T is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 51.3% better value on MSRP (12.1 vs 8.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-4150 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-4150 vs Phenom II X6 1065T Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-4150

The Core i3-4150 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,406 points. Launch price was $69.

AMD

Phenom II X6 1065T

The Phenom II X6 1065T is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Thuban (2010) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,412 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i3-4150 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X6 1065T offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Phenom II X6 1065T has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i3-4150 versus 3.4 GHz on the Phenom II X6 1065T — a 2.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-4150 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i3-4150 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom II X6 1065T uses Thuban (2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4150 scores 3,406 against the Phenom II X6 1065T's 3,412 — a 0.2% lead for the Phenom II X6 1065T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4150 vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X6 1065T.

FeatureCore i3-4150Phenom II X6 1065T
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
6 / 6+200%
Boost Clock
3.5 GHz+3%
3.4 GHz
Base Clock
3.5 GHz+21%
2.9 GHz
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)
Thuban (2010)
PassMark
3,406
3,412
Geekbench 6 Single
1,071
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4150 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X6 1065T uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i3-4150Phenom II X6 1065T
Socket
LGA1150
AM3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4150) / not specified (Phenom II X6 1065T). The Core i3-4150 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4400), while the Phenom II X6 1065T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4150 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-4150 rivals FX-6300.

FeatureCore i3-4150Phenom II X6 1065T
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 4400
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, EPT
Target Use
Budget Desktop
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4150 was priced at $281, while the Phenom II X6 1065T came in at $426. On launch pricing ($281 vs $426), Core i3-4150 was $145 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4150 delivers 12.1 pts/$ vs 8.0 pts/$ for the Phenom II X6 1065T — making the Core i3-4150 the 40.8% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-4150Phenom II X6 1065T
MSRP
$281-34%
$426
Performance per Dollar
12.1+51%
8.0
Release Date
2014
2010

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