Core i5-4300U vs Phenom II X2 N620

Intel

Core i5-4300U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2013
Similar parts
·······
VS
AMD

Phenom II X2 N620

2 Cores2 Thrd2 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2010
Similar parts
·······

Core i5-4300U vs Phenom II X2 N620 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 i5-4300U vs Phenom II X2 N620 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 i5-4300U vs Phenom II X2 N620: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4300U

2013

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4400, while Phenom II X2 N620 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Phenom II X2 N620 across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (2,482 vs 2,503).
  • 25500% higher power demand at 512W vs 2W.

Phenom II X2 N620

2010

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +5.3% higher average FPS across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 510W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4300U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X2 N620 better than Core i5-4300U?
Yes. Phenom II X2 N620 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.3% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% 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 X2 N620 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.3% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X2 N620 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Phenom II X2 N620 still makes the most sense overall. Phenom II X2 N620 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.3% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-4300U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4300U vs Phenom II X2 N620 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-4300U

The Core i5-4300U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,482 points. Launch price was $281.

AMD

Phenom II X2 N620

The Phenom II X2 N620 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: 2.8 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: 2,503 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i5-4300U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Phenom II X2 N620's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-4300U versus 2.8 GHz on the Phenom II X2 N620 — a 3.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-4300U. The Core i5-4300U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom II X2 N620 uses Champlain (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4300U scores 2,482 against the Phenom II X2 N620's 2,503 — a 0.8% lead for the Phenom II X2 N620.

FeatureCore i5-4300UPhenom II X2 N620
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.9 GHz+4%
2.8 GHz
Base Clock
1.9 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
2,482
2,503
Geekbench 6 Single
607
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,722
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4300U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X2 N620 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-4300UPhenom II X2 N620
Socket
FCBGA1168
S1
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
12
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes (Core i5-4300U) / not specified (Phenom II X2 N620). The Core i5-4300U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4400), while the Phenom II X2 N620 requires a dedicated GPU.

FeatureCore i5-4300UPhenom II X2 N620
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 4400
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
Yes