Core i5-3427U vs Phenom II X4 925

Core i5-3427U vs Phenom II X4 925 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-3427U

2 / 4

2,252

0.0%

2,261

+0.4%

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 i5-3427U vs Phenom II X4 925 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 i5-3427U vs Phenom II X4 925: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3427U

2012

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Phenom II X4 925 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,252 vs 2,261).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.

Phenom II X4 925

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅+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 i5-3427U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X4 925 better than Core i5-3427U?

Yes. Phenom II X4 925 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X4 925 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 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 X4 925 still makes the most sense overall. Phenom II X4 925 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-3427U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3427U vs Phenom II X4 925 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3427U

The Core i5-3427U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,252 points. Launch price was $225.

Phenom II X4 925

The Phenom II X4 925 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 11 May 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 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: 2,261 points. Launch price was $160.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3427U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X4 925 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 925 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i5-3427U versus 2.8 GHz on the Phenom II X4 925 — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-3427U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom II X4 925 uses Deneb (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3427U scores 2,252 against the Phenom II X4 925's 2,261 — a 0.4% lead for the Phenom II X4 925. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3427U vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 925.

Feature	Core i5-3427U	Phenom II X4 925
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	2.8 GHz+56%
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	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Deneb (2009−2011)
PassMark	2,252	2,261

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3427U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X4 925 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3427U	Phenom II X4 925
Socket	BGA1023	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-3427U) / not specified (Phenom II X4 925). The Core i5-3427U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Phenom II X4 925 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-3427U rivals AMD A8-4555M.