Pentium G840 vs Phenom X4 9100e

Intel

Pentium G840

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2011
VS
AMD

Phenom X4 9100e

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 1.8 GHz2008

Pentium G840 vs Phenom X4 9100e 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 G840 vs Phenom X4 9100e 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 G840 vs Phenom X4 9100e: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium G840

2011

Why buy it

  • βœ…+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
  • βœ…Costs $136 less on MSRP ($64 MSRP vs $200 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 215.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.4 vs 6.8 PassMark/$ ($64 MSRP vs $200 MSRP).

Trade-offs

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

Phenom X4 9100e

2008

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • ❌Lower PassMark (1,353 vs 1,367).
    • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
    • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.8 vs 21.4 PassMark/$ ($200 MSRP vs $64 MSRP).

    Quick Answers

    So, is Pentium G840 better than Phenom X4 9100e?
    Yes. Pentium G840 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1% 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, Pentium G840 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% 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, Pentium G840 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Pentium G840 is the better buy right now. Pentium G840 comes in $136 cheaper on MSRP at $64 MSRP versus $200 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 215.7% better value on MSRP (21.4 vs 6.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Pentium G840 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008), 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Pentium G840 vs Phenom X4 9100e Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Pentium G840

    The Pentium G840 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011βˆ’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: 1,367 points. Launch price was $60.

    AMD

    Phenom X4 9100e

    The Phenom X4 9100e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007βˆ’2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,353 points. Launch price was $149.

    ⚑

    Processing Power

    The Pentium G840 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom X4 9100e offers 4 cores / 4 threads β€” the Phenom X4 9100e has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Pentium G840 versus 1.8 GHz on the Phenom X4 9100e β€” a 43.5% clock advantage for the Pentium G840. The Pentium G840 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011βˆ’2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom X4 9100e uses Agena (2007βˆ’2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium G840 scores 1,367 against the Phenom X4 9100e's 1,353 β€” a 1% lead for the Pentium G840. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G840 vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9100e.

    FeaturePentium G840Phenom X4 9100e
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    4 / 4+100%
    Boost Clock
    2.8 GHz+56%
    1.8 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.8 GHz
    β€”
    L3 Cache
    3 MB (total)+50%
    2 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    256 kB (per core)
    512 kB (per core)+100%
    Process
    32 nm-51%
    65 nm
    Architecture
    Sandy Bridge (2011βˆ’2013)
    Agena (2007βˆ’2008)
    PassMark
    1,367+1%
    1,353
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Pentium G840 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom X4 9100e uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeaturePentium G840Phenom X4 9100e
    Socket
    LGA1155
    AM2+
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0
    PCIe 2.0
    πŸ’°

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Pentium G840 was priced at $64, while the Phenom X4 9100e came in at $200. On launch pricing ($64 vs $200), Pentium G840 was $136 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium G840 delivers 21.4 pts/$ vs 6.8 pts/$ for the Phenom X4 9100e β€” making the Pentium G840 the 103.8% better value option.

    FeaturePentium G840Phenom X4 9100e
    MSRP
    $64-68%
    $200
    Performance per Dollar
    21.4+215%
    6.8
    Release Date
    2011
    2008

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