Pentium 4405U vs Phenom II X3 N870

Intel

Pentium 4405U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.1 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X3 N870

3 Cores3 Thrd1.5 WWMax: 2.3 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Pentium 4405U vs Phenom II X3 N870 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.

Pentium 4405U vs Phenom II X3 N870 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.

Pentium 4405U vs Phenom II X3 N870: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium 4405U

2015

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Phenom II X3 N870 across 21 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower PassMark (2,122 vs 2,145).
    • 34033.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 1.5W.

    Phenom II X3 N870

    2010

    Why buy it

    • Better for gaming: +7.1% higher average FPS across 21 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 511W reduction.

    Trade-offs

    • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Phenom II X3 N870 better than Pentium 4405U?
    Yes. Phenom II X3 N870 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.1% average FPS lead across 21 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% 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 X3 N870 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.1% more average FPS across 21 shared CPU game tests.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X3 N870 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Phenom II X3 N870 still makes the most sense overall. Phenom II X3 N870 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.1% average FPS lead across 21 shared CPU game tests in our data.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Pentium 4405U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Pentium 4405U vs Phenom II X3 N870 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Pentium 4405U

    The Pentium 4405U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,122 points. Launch price was $161.

    AMD

    Phenom II X3 N870

    The Phenom II X3 N870 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L2 cache: 1.5 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1g4. Thermal design power (TDP): 1.5 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,145 points. Launch price was $149.

    Processing Power

    The Pentium 4405U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X3 N870 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom II X3 N870 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Pentium 4405U versus 2.3 GHz on the Phenom II X3 N870 — a 9.1% clock advantage for the Phenom II X3 N870. The Pentium 4405U uses the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture (14 nm), while the Phenom II X3 N870 uses Champlain (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium 4405U scores 2,122 against the Phenom II X3 N870's 2,145 — a 1.1% lead for the Phenom II X3 N870.

    FeaturePentium 4405UPhenom II X3 N870
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 4
    3 / 3+50%
    Boost Clock
    2.1 GHz
    2.3 GHz+10%
    Base Clock
    2.1 GHz
    L3 Cache
    2 MB
    L2 Cache
    512 kB
    1.5 MB+200%
    Process
    14 nm-69%
    45 nm
    Architecture
    NetBurst (2000−2006)
    Champlain (2010−2011)
    PassMark
    2,122
    2,145+1%
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Pentium 4405U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X3 N870 uses S1g4 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeaturePentium 4405UPhenom II X3 N870
    Socket
    BGA1356
    S1g4
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0+50%
    PCIe 2.0