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 II X3 460 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 3 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Rana (2009−2011) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,965 points. Launch price was $50.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon II X3 460 is positioned at rank #734 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 II X3 460

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

13799%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

13039%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

9467%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

2852%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2259%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1976%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1132%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1117%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1017%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1017%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1006%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

979%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

965%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

961%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

952%

#288

Ryzen Threadripper 1950

MSRP: $999|Avg: $300

98%

#392

Celeron G4920

MSRP: $52|Avg: $115

98%

#734

Athlon II X3 460

MSRP: $87|Avg: $15

100%

#735

Pentium G2100T

MSRP: $75|Avg: $10

100%

#736

Core i5-3330

MSRP: $182|Avg: $21

100%

#737

Pentium E5300

MSRP: $62|Avg: $25

100%

#738

Core i3-4330T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $15

100%

#739

Athlon II X2 215

MSRP: $45|Avg: $10

99%

#740

Core i7-4790S

MSRP: $312|Avg: $60

99%

#741

FX-6100

MSRP: $165|Avg: $25

99%

#742

Pentium G2020T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $69

99%

#743

Core i7-4771

MSRP: $320|Avg: $78

99%

#746

Core i7-4770S

MSRP: $305|Avg: $35

98%

#747

Core i5-6400T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $40

98%

#749

Core i5-3570K

MSRP: $225|Avg: $35

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon II X3 460 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon II X3 460 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon II X3 460 is a 3-core / 3-thread processor based on the Rana (2009−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.4 GHz from a base frequency of 3.4 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 (per core) of L2 cache and 128 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,965, 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 384, while multi-core reaches 944.

Specification	Athlon II X3 460
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	3C / 3T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Rana (2009−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	512 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	169 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	300 million
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,965
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	384
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	944

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X3 460 fits into the AM3 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Athlon II X3 460
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	AM3
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1333
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	760G,770,785G,790FX,870,880G,890FX,970,990FX
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Athlon II X3 460 is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Athlon II X3 460
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Budget
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	AMD-V

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon II X3 460 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Stock stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Athlon II X3 460
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Stock
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $87), the Athlon II X3 460 delivers 131 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #734 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2598 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon II X3 460
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$87
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$15
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$50
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#734
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2598
Release DateLaunch date	3 May 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD