CPU
GPU
Phenom X3 8400
Pentium A1020
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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Phenom X3 8400 is positioned at rank 509 and the Pentium A1020 is on rank 1009, so the Phenom X3 8400 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Phenom X3 8400
Performance Per Dollar Pentium A1020
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Phenom X3 8400 | Pentium A1020 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($86) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Toliman (2008) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Phenom X3 8400 | Pentium A1020 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($86) |
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 X3 8400 and Pentium A1020
Phenom X3 8400
The Phenom X3 8400 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Toliman (2008) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,164 points. Launch price was $149.
Pentium A1020
The Pentium A1020 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.41 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,167 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Phenom X3 8400 packs 3 cores / 3 threads, while the Pentium A1020 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Pentium A1020 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Phenom X3 8400 versus 2.7 GHz on the Pentium A1020 — a 25% clock advantage for the Pentium A1020. The Phenom X3 8400 is built on the Toliman (2008) architecture. In PassMark, the Phenom X3 8400 scores 1,164 against the Pentium A1020's 1,167 — a 0.3% lead for the Pentium A1020. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X3 8400 vs 2 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium A1020.
| Feature | Phenom X3 8400 | Pentium A1020 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 3 / 3 | 4 / 4+33% |
| Boost Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.7 GHz+29% |
| Base Clock | — | 2.41 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB (total) | 2 MB L2 Cache |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | — |
| Process | 65 nm | 22 nm-66% |
| Architecture | Toliman (2008) | — |
| PassMark | 1,164 | 1,167 |
Memory & Platform
The Phenom X3 8400 uses the AM2+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium A1020 uses FCBGA1170 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Phenom X3 8400 | Pentium A1020 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM2+ | FCBGA1170 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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