Core i5-450M vs Athlon 64 X2 4200+
Core i5-450M
Athlon 64 X2 4200+
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-450M is positioned at rank 10 and the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ is on rank 1101, so the Core i5-450M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-450M
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 X2 4200+
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-450M | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($31) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Manchester (2005−2006) / 90 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-450M | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+257%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($31) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-450M and Athlon 64 X2 4200+
Core i5-450M
The Core i5-450M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.66 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,264 points. Launch price was $32.
Athlon 64 X2 4200+
The Athlon 64 X2 4200+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Dezembro 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,255 points. Launch price was $309.
Processing Power
The Core i5-450M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Athlon 64 X2 4200+'s 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.66 GHz on the Core i5-450M versus 2.2 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ — a 18.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-450M. The Core i5-450M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ uses Manchester (2005−2006) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-450M scores 1,264 against the Athlon 64 X2 4200+'s 1,255 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-450M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-450M vs 0 kB on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+.
| Feature | Core i5-450M | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.66 GHz+21% | 2.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 512 kB+100% |
| Process | 32 nm-64% | 90 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Manchester (2005−2006) |
| PassMark | 1,264 | 1,255 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-450M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ uses 939 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core i5-450M versus DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ — the Core i5-450M supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon 64 X2 4200+ supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-450M) vs 0 (Athlon 64 X2 4200+) — the Core i5-450M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-450M) and AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 4200+).
| Feature | Core i5-450M | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | 939 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066+53200% | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 16 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i5-450M) / not specified (Athlon 64 X2 4200+). The Core i5-450M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-450M rivals AMD Turion II M620.
| Feature | Core i5-450M | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-450M launched at $32 MSRP, while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ debuted at $581. At current prices ($31 vs $110), the Core i5-450M is $79 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-450M delivers 40.8 pts/$ vs 11.4 pts/$ for the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ — making the Core i5-450M the 112.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-450M | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $32-94% | $581 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $31-72% | $110 |
| Performance per Dollar | 40.8+258% | 11.4 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2006 |
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