Pentium G640 vs Phenom II X4 P920

Intel

Pentium G640

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X4 P920

4 Cores4 Thrd2 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Pentium G640 vs Phenom II X4 P920 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 G640 vs Phenom II X4 P920 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 G640 vs Phenom II X4 P920: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium G640

2012

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Phenom II X4 P920 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower PassMark (1,369 vs 1,395).
    • Launch MSRP is still $64 MSRP, while Phenom II X4 P920 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • 3150% higher power demand at 65W vs 2W.

    Phenom II X4 P920

    2010

    Why buy it

    • Better for gaming: +4.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Draws 2W instead of 65W, a 63W reduction.

    Trade-offs

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

    Quick Answers

    So, is Phenom II X4 P920 better than Pentium G640?
    Yes. Phenom II X4 P920 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.9% 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 X4 P920 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.4% 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, Phenom II X4 P920 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Phenom II X4 P920 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Phenom II X4 P920 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $64 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G640 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (21.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Pentium G640 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Pentium G640 vs Phenom II X4 P920 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Pentium G640

    The Pentium G640 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,369 points. Launch price was $179.

    AMD

    Phenom II X4 P920

    The Phenom II X4 P920 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1g4. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,395 points. Launch price was $149.

    Processing Power

    The Pentium G640 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom II X4 P920 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 P920 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Pentium G640 versus 1.6 GHz on the Phenom II X4 P920 — a 54.5% clock advantage for the Pentium G640. The Pentium G640 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom II X4 P920 uses Champlain (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium G640 scores 1,369 against the Phenom II X4 P920's 1,395 — a 1.9% lead for the Phenom II X4 P920.

    FeaturePentium G640Phenom II X4 P920
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    4 / 4+100%
    Boost Clock
    2.8 GHz+75%
    1.6 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.8 GHz
    L3 Cache
    3 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    256 kB (per core)
    2 MB+700%
    Process
    32 nm-29%
    45 nm
    Architecture
    Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
    Champlain (2010−2011)
    PassMark
    1,369
    1,395+2%
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Pentium G640 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom II X4 P920 uses S1g4 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeaturePentium G640Phenom II X4 P920
    Socket
    LGA1155
    S1g4
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0
    PCIe 2.0