Core i7-4650U vs Phenom II X4 840

Intel

Core i7-4650U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X4 840

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Core i7-4650U vs Phenom II X4 840 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 i7-4650U vs Phenom II X4 840 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 i7-4650U vs Phenom II X4 840: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4650U

2013

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • 438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.

    Phenom II X4 840

    2011

    Why buy it

    • Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (2,449 vs 2,463).

    Quick Answers

    So, is Core i7-4650U better than Phenom II X4 840?
    Yes. Core i7-4650U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% 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 i7-4650U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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 i7-4650U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Core i7-4650U still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-4650U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Core i7-4650U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Core i7-4650U vs Phenom II X4 840 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Core i7-4650U

    The Core i7-4650U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-ULT (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,463 points. Launch price was $454.

    AMD

    Phenom II X4 840

    The Phenom II X4 840 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Propus (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. 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: 2,449 points. Launch price was $90.

    Processing Power

    The Core i7-4650U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X4 840 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 840 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-4650U versus 3.2 GHz on the Phenom II X4 840 — a 3.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-4650U (base: 1.7 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-4650U uses the Haswell-ULT (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom II X4 840 uses Propus (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4650U scores 2,463 against the Phenom II X4 840's 2,449 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-4650U. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-4650U vs 0 kB on the Phenom II X4 840.

    FeatureCore i7-4650UPhenom II X4 840
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 4
    4 / 4+100%
    Boost Clock
    3.3 GHz+3%
    3.2 GHz
    Base Clock
    1.7 GHz
    3.2 GHz+88%
    L3 Cache
    4 MB (total)
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    256K (per core)
    512 kB (per core)+100%
    Process
    22 nm-51%
    45 nm
    Architecture
    Haswell-ULT (2013)
    Propus (2009−2011)
    PassMark
    2,463
    2,449
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core i7-4650U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X4 840 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCore i7-4650UPhenom II X4 840
    Socket
    FCBGA1168
    AM3
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0+50%
    PCIe 2.0