Phenom II X3 700e vs Ryzen 7 3700X
Phenom II X3 700e
Ryzen 7 3700X
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Phenom II X3 700e is positioned at rank #972 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Phenom II X3 700e
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 7 3700X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Phenom II X3 700e | Ryzen 7 3700X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($40) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($140) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Heka (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Phenom II X3 700e | Ryzen 7 3700X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+342%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($40) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($140) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Phenom II X3 700e and Ryzen 7 3700X
Phenom II X3 700e
The Phenom II X3 700e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Heka (2009−2010) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,451 points. Launch price was $149.
Ryzen 7 3700X
The Ryzen 7 3700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 22,430 points. Launch price was $329.
Processing Power
The Phenom II X3 700e packs 3 cores / 3 threads, while the Ryzen 7 3700X offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Ryzen 7 3700X has 5 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Phenom II X3 700e versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 7 3700X — a 58.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 3700X (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Phenom II X3 700e uses the Heka (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom II X3 700e scores 1,451 against the Ryzen 7 3700X's 22,430 — a 175.7% lead for the Ryzen 7 3700X. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X3 700e vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 3700X.
| Feature | Phenom II X3 700e | Ryzen 7 3700X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 3 / 3 | 8 / 16+167% |
| Boost Clock | 2.4 GHz | 4.4 GHz+83% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3.6 GHz+50% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 32 MB+433% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-84% |
| Architecture | Heka (2009−2010) | Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 1,451 | 22,430+1446% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 250 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 650 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Phenom II X3 700e uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Phenom II X3 700e versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 7 3700X — the Ryzen 7 3700X supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 7 3700X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Phenom II X3 700e) vs 24 (Ryzen 7 3700X) — the Ryzen 7 3700X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AM3,AM2+ (Phenom II X3 700e) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 7 3700X).
| Feature | Phenom II X3 700e | Ryzen 7 3700X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 4.0+100% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR4-3200+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 128 GB+700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 24+50% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: AMD-V (Phenom II X3 700e) / not specified (Ryzen 7 3700X). Primary use case: Phenom II X3 700e targets Legacy Desktop.
| Feature | Phenom II X3 700e | Ryzen 7 3700X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | — |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Phenom II X3 700e launched at $125 MSRP, while the Ryzen 7 3700X debuted at $329. At current prices ($40 vs $140), the Phenom II X3 700e is $100 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Phenom II X3 700e delivers 36.3 pts/$ vs 160.2 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 3700X — making the Ryzen 7 3700X the 126.2% better value option.
| Feature | Phenom II X3 700e | Ryzen 7 3700X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $125-62% | $329 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40-71% | $140 |
| Performance per Dollar | 36.3 | 160.2+341% |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2019 |
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