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 X4 850 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 2,756 points. Launch price was $149.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon X4 850 is positioned at rank #539 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 X4 850

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

8710%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

8230%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

5975%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

1800%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

1426%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1247%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

714%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

705%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

642%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

642%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

635%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

618%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

609%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

607%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

601%

#376

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7945WX

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $1399

99%

#377

Core i3-9100HL

MSRP: $225|Avg: $100

97%

#378

Core i9-12900TE

MSRP: $494|Avg: $664

96%

#539

Athlon X4 850

MSRP: $77|Avg: $20

100%

#541

FX-6350

MSRP: $132|Avg: $55

98%

#542

Celeron G470

MSRP: $35|Avg: $10

98%

#543

Pentium G3220

MSRP: $54|Avg: $15

98%

#545

Athlon 5370

MSRP: $55|Avg: $15

97%

#548

Core i3-6100

MSRP: $125|Avg: $30

95%

#549

Core i3-6300T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $15

95%

#550

Core i3-6098P

MSRP: $117|Avg: $59

95%

#551

Core i7-7800X

MSRP: $383|Avg: $254

95%

#552

Core i3-7101TE

MSRP: $117|Avg: $60

94%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon X4 850 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon X4 850 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon X4 850 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture, manufactured on a 28 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.9 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 2,756, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Athlon X4 850
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.9 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Godaveri (2014−2016)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	28 nm
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	4 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	256K
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	245 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	2,411 million
64-bit Support	Yes
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,756

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon X4 850 fits into the FM2+ socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3-2133 memory at speeds up to DDR3-2133 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Athlon X4 850
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	FM2+
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3-2133
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-2133
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

🔧

Advanced Features

The Athlon X4 850 is primarily designed for Desktop. 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 X4 850
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Desktop
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 X4 850 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 X4 850
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $20 (MSRP: $77), the Athlon X4 850 delivers 138 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #539 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2307 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon X4 850
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$77
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$20
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$149
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#539
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2307
Release DateLaunch date	2009-01-01
Release Year	2015
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	GlobalFoundries