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 X4 635 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Propus (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 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: 2,248 points. Launch price was $70.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon II X4 635 is positioned at rank #1069 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 X4 635

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

55465%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

52409%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

38053%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

11464%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

9081%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

7944%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

4550%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

4490%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

4089%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

4088%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

4043%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

3933%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

3878%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

3863%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

3828%

#1068

Core 2 Duo E6750

MSRP: $183|Avg: $15

100%

#1069

Athlon II X4 635

MSRP: $400|Avg: $250

100%

#1070

Core i7-940

MSRP: $562|Avg: $90

96%

#1071

Celeron 2.40

MSRP: $69|Avg: $13

89%

#1072

Sempron 2800+

MSRP: $65|Avg: $29

88%

#1073

Athlon 64 3100+

MSRP: $100|Avg: $15

85%

#1074

Sempron 3600+

MSRP: $105|Avg: $20

82%

#1075

Celeron 2.80

MSRP: $100|Avg: $15

76%

#1076

Athlon 64 X2 6000+

MSRP: $450|Avg: $20

72%

#1077

Athlon 64 3600+

MSRP: $149|Avg: $15

71%

#1078

Core 2 Quad Q6700

MSRP: $530|Avg: $50

70%

#1079

Athlon 64 2600+

MSRP: $100|Avg: $5

70%

#1080

Celeron 2.20

MSRP: $79|Avg: $15

69%

#1081

Athlon 64 X2 5200+

MSRP: $420|Avg: $15

64%

#1082

Athlon 64 X2 4000+

MSRP: $328|Avg: $10

64%

#1083

Core i7-975

MSRP: $999|Avg: $50

63%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon II X4 635 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon II X4 635 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Propus (2009−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.9 GHz from a base frequency of 2.9 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 2,248, 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 180, while multi-core reaches 550. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 658.

Specification	Athlon II X4 635
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.9 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.9 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Propus (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	2,248
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	658
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	180
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	550

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X4 635 fits into the AM3 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 / DDR2-1066 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Athlon II X4 635
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	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1333 / DDR2-1066
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 770,785G,790FX,880G,890FX,970,990FX
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Athlon II X4 635 is primarily designed for Budget. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Athlon II X4 635
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Budget
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	AMD-V

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon II X4 635 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 Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Athlon II X4 635
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $250 (MSRP: $400), the Athlon II X4 635 delivers 9 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1069 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2489 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon II X4 635
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$400
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$250
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$70
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1069
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2489
Release DateLaunch date	25 January 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD