CPU·Budget

Athlon II X4 638

AMD

PassMark

2,260

MSRP

$300

AVG Price

$280

2009-01-01

65 Watt

Llano (2011−2012)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Athlon II X4 638

4 / 4

2,260

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 II X4 638 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,260 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.

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 638

#967

Athlon 64 X2 4200+

MSRP: $581|Avg: $110

141%

#968

Pentium III 1400

MSRP: $250|Avg: $20

141%

#969

Celeron E1400

MSRP: $53|Avg: $63

141%

#970

Athlon X2 BE-2300

MSRP: $100|Avg: $80

140%

#971

Athlon XP 3200+

MSRP: $464|Avg: $40

138%

#972

Sempron 2800+

MSRP: $65|Avg: $29

137%

#973

A8-3820

MSRP: $280|Avg: $200

135%

#974

Athlon XP 2800+

MSRP: $375|Avg: $35

135%

#975

Pentium III 1266S

MSRP: $369|Avg: $20

130%

#976

Athlon XP 2200+

MSRP: $241|Avg: $30

116%

#977

Athlon II X4 635

MSRP: $400|Avg: $250

111%

#978

Athlon XP 2100+

MSRP: $420|Avg: $30

109%

#979

Pentium G4400TE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $250

109%

#980

Celeron 2.70

MSRP: $49|Avg: $49

103%

#981

Phenom X3 8450

MSRP: $145|Avg: $147

103%

#982

Athlon II X4 638

MSRP: $300|Avg: $280

100%

#983

Ryzen Embedded R2314

MSRP: $300|Avg: $762

95%

#984

Core 2 Duo E7200

MSRP: $133|Avg: $133

93%

#985

Athlon XP 1800+

MSRP: $252|Avg: $30

93%

#986

Celeron E1200

MSRP: $53|Avg: $98

84%

#987

Athlon XP 2000+

MSRP: $339|Avg: $40

78%

#988

Pentium III 1133

MSRP: $990|Avg: $30

74%

#989

Celeron 2.10

MSRP: $49|Avg: $49

72%

#990

Pentium 4 1.80

MSRP: $562|Avg: $40

70%

#991

Athlon 64 FX-57

MSRP: $1031|Avg: $200

45%

#992

Phenom X4 9450e

MSRP: $450|Avg: $430

42%

#993

Core 2 Extreme QX9770

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $1399

41%

#994

Athlon 64 3300+

MSRP: $200|Avg: $200

32%

#995

Pentium 4 2.40

MSRP: $193|Avg: $193

21%

#996

Pentium 4 2.66

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

16%

#997

Athlon 64 FX-60

MSRP: $1031|Avg: $1000

15%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon II X4 638 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon II X4 638 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon II X4 638 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.7 GHz from a base frequency of 2.7 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 1 MB (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 2,260, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Athlon II X4 638
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.7 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Llano (2011−2012)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	228 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,178 million
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,260

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X4 638 fits into the FM1 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1866 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Athlon II X4 638
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	FM1
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	DDR3-1866
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	64 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 FM1
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon II X4 638 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Athlon II X4 638
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $280 (MSRP: $300), the Athlon II X4 638 delivers 8 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2481 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon II X4 638
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$300
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$280
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$149
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2481
Release DateLaunch date	2009-01-01
Release Year	2012
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

Type	desktop
Designer	AMD
Launch Price	$149
Release Date	2009-01-01
Architecture Codename	Llano (2011−2012)
Performance Ranking Position	2481

Technical Specifications

12 specs

Cores	4
Threads	4
Die Size	228 mm2
L1 Cache	128 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)
L3 Cache	0 kB
Max Frequency	2.7 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.7 GHz
Transistor Count	1,178 million
Process Technology	32 nm
Windows 11 Compatible	-