Core i5-4210Y vs Phenom II X2 N640

Core i5-4210Y vs Phenom II X2 N640 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-4210Y

2 / 4

1,530

+1.7%

1,505

0.0%

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 i5-4210Y vs Phenom II X2 N640 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 i5-4210Y vs Phenom II X2 N640: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4210Y

2013

Why buy it

✅+93.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4200, while Phenom II X2 N640 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌25500% higher power demand at 512W vs 2W.

Phenom II X2 N640

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 510W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (300 vs 580).
❌Lower PassMark (1,505 vs 1,530).
❌Launch MSRP is still $100 MSRP, while Core i5-4210Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4210Y can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4210Y better than Phenom II X2 N640?

Yes. Core i5-4210Y is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.7% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4210Y is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% 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, Core i5-4210Y is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4210Y is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-4210Y comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Phenom II X2 N640 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (15.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on S1.

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

Core i5-4210Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-4210Y vs Phenom II X2 N640 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4210Y

The Core i5-4210Y 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 1.9 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: 1,530 points. Launch price was $297.

Phenom II X2 N640

The Phenom II X2 N640 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.9 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,505 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4210Y packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Phenom II X2 N640's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.9 GHz on the Core i5-4210Y versus 2.9 GHz on the Phenom II X2 N640 — a 41.7% clock advantage for the Phenom II X2 N640. The Core i5-4210Y uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom II X2 N640 uses Champlain (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4210Y scores 1,530 against the Phenom II X2 N640's 1,505 — a 1.6% lead for the Core i5-4210Y. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 580 vs 300, a 63.6% lead for the Core i5-4210Y that directly translates to higher frame rates.

Feature	Core i5-4210Y	Phenom II X2 N640
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.9 GHz	2.9 GHz+53%
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB	—
L2 Cache	512 kB	2 MB+300%
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Champlain (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,530+2%	1,505
Geekbench 6 Single	580+93%	300
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	422

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4210Y uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X2 N640 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-4210Y versus DDR3-1333 on the Phenom II X2 N640 — the Core i5-4210Y supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-4210Y supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-4210Y) vs 16 (Phenom II X2 N640) — the Phenom II X2 N640 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM86,HM87,QM87 (Core i5-4210Y) and RS880M (Phenom II X2 N640).

Feature	Core i5-4210Y	Phenom II X2 N640
Socket	FCBGA1168	S1
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i5-4210Y) vs AMD-V (Phenom II X2 N640). The Core i5-4210Y includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4200), while the Phenom II X2 N640 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4210Y targets Tablet/2-in-1, Phenom II X2 N640 targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4210Y rivals A4-6210.