Pentium N4200 vs Phenom II X4 B93

Intel

Pentium N4200

4 Cores4 Thrd2 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2016
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X4 B93

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2009
Similar parts
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Pentium N4200 vs Phenom II X4 B93 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 N4200 vs Phenom II X4 B93 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 N4200 vs Phenom II X4 B93: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium N4200

2016

Why buy it

  • Draws 2W instead of 95W, a 93W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,158 vs 2,159).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Launch MSRP is still $161 MSRP, while Phenom II X4 B93 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Phenom II X4 B93

2009

Why buy it

  • +200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

  • 4650% higher power demand at 95W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X4 B93 better than Pentium N4200?
Yes. Phenom II X4 B93 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0% 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 B93 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% 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 B93 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Phenom II X4 B93 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Phenom II X4 B93 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $161 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium N4200 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Pentium N4200 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium N4200 vs Phenom II X4 B93 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Pentium N4200

The Pentium N4200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1296. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,158 points. Launch price was $161.

AMD

Phenom II X4 B93

The Phenom II X4 B93 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). 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: 2,159 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

Both the Pentium N4200 and Phenom II X4 B93 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Pentium N4200 versus 2.8 GHz on the Phenom II X4 B93 — a 11.3% clock advantage for the Phenom II X4 B93 (base: 1.1 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Pentium N4200 uses the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Phenom II X4 B93 uses Deneb (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium N4200 scores 2,158 against the Phenom II X4 B93's 2,159 — a 0% lead for the Phenom II X4 B93. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium N4200 vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 B93.

FeaturePentium N4200Phenom II X4 B93
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
2.5 GHz
2.8 GHz+12%
Base Clock
1.1 GHz
2.8 GHz+155%
L3 Cache
2 MB L2 Cache
6 MB (total)+200%
L2 Cache
2 MB+300%
512 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm-69%
45 nm
Architecture
Apollo Lake (2014−2016)
Deneb (2009−2011)
PassMark
2,158
2,159
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Memory & Platform

The Pentium N4200 uses the FCBGA1296 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X4 B93 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeaturePentium N4200Phenom II X4 B93
Socket
FCBGA1296
AM3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0