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 740 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Piledriver architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,677 points. Launch price was $71.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon II X4 740 is positioned at rank #522 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 740

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

8268%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

7813%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

5673%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

1709%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

1354%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1184%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

678%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

669%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

609%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

609%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

603%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

586%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

578%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

576%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

571%

#374

Core i9-13900TE

MSRP: $554|Avg: $554

99%

#375

Ryzen Embedded V2546

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

96%

#522

Athlon II X4 740

MSRP: $71|Avg: $20

100%

#525

Celeron G1840T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $10

100%

#527

Pentium G4500

MSRP: $75|Avg: $34

99%

#528

Athlon X4 740

MSRP: $71|Avg: $71

99%

#529

Xeon E5-2608L v4

MSRP: $363|Avg: $174

99%

#531

Celeron G1610

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

98%

#532

Core i3-7100

MSRP: $117|Avg: $40

98%

#533

Celeron G1620T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $15

97%

#536

Pentium G4400T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $75

96%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon II X4 740 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon II X4 740 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon II X4 740 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Piledriver architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.7 GHz from a base frequency of 3.2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,677, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Athlon II X4 740
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Piledriver
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	4 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	192 kB
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,677

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X4 740 fits into the FM2 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage.

Specification	Athlon II X4 740
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Athlon
SocketMotherboard socket required	FM2
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
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 FM2
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon II X4 740 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 740
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $20 (MSRP: $71), the Athlon II X4 740 delivers 134 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #522 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2336 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon II X4 740
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$71
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$20
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$71
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#522
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2336
Release DateLaunch date	1 October 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD