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 640 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 11 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Propus (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 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: 2,266 points. Launch price was $80.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon II X4 640 is positioned at rank #621 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 640

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

11003%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

10397%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

7549%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

2274%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

1801%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1576%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

903%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

891%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

811%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

811%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

802%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

780%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

769%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

766%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

759%

#283

Ryzen Threadripper 1920

MSRP: $799|Avg: $200

97%

#284

Ryzen Threadripper 1950X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $300

97%

#384

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

MSRP: $3990|Avg: $2850

99%

#385

Celeron G4900

MSRP: $42|Avg: $85

98%

#386

Ryzen Embedded V3C18I

MSRP: $500|Avg: $500

98%

#621

Athlon II X4 640

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

100%

#622

Celeron G540

MSRP: $42|Avg: $10

99%

#624

Core i5-4590

MSRP: $192|Avg: $51

99%

#625

Celeron G440

MSRP: $37|Avg: $5

99%

#628

A8-7670K

MSRP: $118|Avg: $43

98%

#629

Core i3-8350K

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

98%

#630

Core i3-6320

MSRP: $160|Avg: $35

98%

#632

Pentium G3258

MSRP: $75|Avg: $72

97%

#634

Celeron G555

MSRP: $52|Avg: $15

97%

#635

Celeron G530

MSRP: $42|Avg: $10

96%

#636

Core i3-7350K

MSRP: $179|Avg: $45

96%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon II X4 640 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon II X4 640 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon II X4 640 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 3 GHz from a base frequency of 3 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 2,266, 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 386, while multi-core reaches 1,332. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 1,471.

Specification	Athlon II X4 640
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3 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	2,266
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	1,471
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	386
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,332

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X4 640 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 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Athlon II X4 640
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
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	AM2+,AM3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Athlon II X4 640 is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Core 2 Quad Q8300.

Specification	Athlon II X4 640
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
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Core 2 Quad Q8300

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon II X4 640 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 640
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 $15 (MSRP: $80), the Athlon II X4 640 delivers 151 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #621 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2477 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon II X4 640
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$80
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$15
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$80
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#621
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2477
Release DateLaunch date	11 May 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD