Athlon 64 3800+
AMD
PassMark
648
MSRP
$354
AVG Price
$10
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 3800+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Junho 2004 (21 years ago). It is based on the Venice (2004−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Memory support: DDR1. Passmark benchmark score: 648 points. Launch price was $160.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon 64 3800+ is positioned at rank #1106 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 Athlon 64 3800+
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Athlon 64 3800+ across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Athlon 64 3800+ specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Athlon 64 3800+ is a 1-core / 1-thread processor based on the Venice (2004−2005) architecture, manufactured on a 130 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 512 kB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 648, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Athlon 64 3800+ |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 1C / 1T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2.4 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Venice (2004−2005) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 130 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 0 kB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 512 kB |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 128 kB |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 230 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 227 million |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 648 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 64 3800+ fits into the 939 socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR1 memory at speeds up to DDR2-800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).
| Specification | Athlon 64 3800+ |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | 939 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 1.1 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR1 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 16 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 | AMD AM2 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Power & Cooling
The Athlon 64 3800+ has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 89 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Athlon 64 3800+ |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 89 Watt |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $10 (MSRP: $354), the Athlon 64 3800+ delivers 65 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1106 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3291 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Athlon 64 3800+ |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $354 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $10 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $160 |
| Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking | #1106 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #3291 |
| Release DateLaunch date | Junho 2004 (21 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2004 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | AMD |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)
AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for Athlon 64 3800+
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