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. The Athlon 64 3100+ is positioned at rank #1074 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 3100+

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

65624%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

62008%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

45023%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

13564%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

10744%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

9399%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

5383%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

5313%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

4837%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

4837%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

4783%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

4654%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

4589%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

4570%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

4529%

#1074

Athlon 64 3100+

MSRP: $100|Avg: $15

100%

#1075

Sempron 3600+

MSRP: $105|Avg: $20

97%

#1076

Celeron 2.80

MSRP: $100|Avg: $15

90%

#1077

Athlon 64 X2 6000+

MSRP: $450|Avg: $20

85%

#1078

Athlon 64 3600+

MSRP: $149|Avg: $15

84%

#1079

Core 2 Quad Q6700

MSRP: $530|Avg: $50

83%

#1080

Athlon 64 2600+

MSRP: $100|Avg: $5

83%

#1081

Celeron 2.20

MSRP: $79|Avg: $15

81%

#1082

Athlon 64 X2 4000+

MSRP: $328|Avg: $10

75%

#1083

Athlon 64 X2 5200+

MSRP: $420|Avg: $15

75%

#1084

Core i7-975

MSRP: $999|Avg: $50

74%

#1085

Athlon XP 2600+

MSRP: $98|Avg: $10

73%

#1086

Core i7-965

MSRP: $1000|Avg: $40

72%

#1087

Athlon 64 FX-74

MSRP: $499|Avg: $50

70%

#1088

Core 2 Extreme QX9770

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $1399

69%

#1089

Athlon 64 2000+

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

69%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon 64 3100+ across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

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. It currently holds Rank #1074 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1074
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3394
Release DateLaunch date	2009-01-01
Release Year	2008
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD