Athlon 64 3100+
AMD
PassMark
475
MSRP
$100
AVG Price
$15
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.
Overview
The Athlon 64 3100+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Lima (2008−2009) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L2 cache: 512K. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 475 points. Launch price was $149.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 3100+
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Athlon 64 3100+ across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Call of Duty: Warzone
Civilization VI
Counter-Strike 2
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Final Fantasy XIV
Hogwarts Legacy
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Minecraft
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Athlon 64 3100+ specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Athlon 64 3100+ is a 1-core / 1-thread processor based on the Lima (2008−2009) architecture, manufactured on a 65 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 475, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 280, while multi-core reaches 280.
| Specification | Athlon 64 3100+ |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 1C / 1T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Lima (2008−2009) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 65 nm |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 512K |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 128K |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 77 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 122 million |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 475 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 280 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 280 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 64 3100+ fits into the AM2 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR2 memory at speeds up to DDR2-800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 4 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).
| Specification | Athlon 64 3100+ |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | AM2 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 2.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 16 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR2 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 4 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | No |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | No |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | nForce 500,AMD 690G |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
The Athlon 64 3100+ is primarily designed for Legacy Desktop. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Celeron D 352.
| Specification | Athlon 64 3100+ |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Legacy Desktop |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | AMD-V |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | Celeron D 352 |
Power & Cooling
The Athlon 64 3100+ has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 25 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Stock.
| Specification | Athlon 64 3100+ |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 25 Watt |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | None |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Stock |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $100), the Athlon 64 3100+ delivers 32 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3394 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Athlon 64 3100+ |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $100 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $15 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $149 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #3394 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2009-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2008 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | AMD |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
6 specs
General Information
6 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Designer | AMD |
| Launch Price | $149 |
| Release Date | 2009-01-01 |
| Architecture Codename | Lima (2008−2009) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 3394 |
Technical Specifications
11 specs
Technical Specifications
11 specs
| Cores | 1 |
| Threads | 1 |
| Die Size | 77 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 128K |
| L2 Cache | 512K |
| Max Frequency | 2 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Transistor Count | 122 million |
| Process Technology | 65 nm |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
| Max Case Temperature (TCase) | 81 °C |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | AM2 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 25 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
1 spec
Memory
1 spec
| RAM Types | DDR2 |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
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Our Recommendation for Athlon 64 3100+
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Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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