CPU·Budget

Athlon X4 850

AMD

PassMark

2,756

MSRP

$77

AVG Price

$20

2009-01-01

65 Watt

Godaveri (2014−2016)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Athlon X4 850

4 / 4

2,756

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 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. 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

#168

Core i5-3570K

MSRP: $225|Avg: $35

103%

#169

Ryzen 9 5900XT

MSRP: $349|Avg: $311

103%

#170

Athlon II X4 631

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

102%

#171

Core i7-4770

MSRP: $303|Avg: $50

102%

#172

Core i5-12500

MSRP: $212|Avg: $140

102%

#173

Core i5-3570

MSRP: $194|Avg: $35

102%

#174

A4 PRO-7350B

MSRP: $50|Avg: $11

102%

#175

Core i5-14600K

MSRP: $329|Avg: $275

102%

#176

Core i7-3960X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $60

102%

#177

Ryzen 7 7700

MSRP: $329|Avg: $246

101%

#178

Core i5-13400F

MSRP: $196|Avg: $180

101%

#179

Core i3-2125

MSRP: $134|Avg: $15

101%

#180

Core i3-12100T

MSRP: $125|Avg: $90

101%

#181

Core i7-11700F

MSRP: $298|Avg: $150

100%

#182

Core i7-980

MSRP: $583|Avg: $50

100%

#183

Athlon X4 850

MSRP: $77|Avg: $20

100%

#184

Core i3-10105F

MSRP: $97|Avg: $65

99%

#185

Core i5-9400T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $60

99%

#186

Core i7-12700KF

MSRP: $384|Avg: $250

99%

#187

Core i5-6500T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $35

99%

#188

Ryzen 7 1800X

MSRP: $499|Avg: $120

99%

#189

Core i5-12490F

MSRP: $250|Avg: $150

99%

#190

FX-4170

MSRP: $157|Avg: $23

98%

#191

Ryzen 5 1500X

MSRP: $189|Avg: $67

98%

#192

Ryzen 5 5600GT

MSRP: $140|Avg: $150

98%

#193

Core i3-2102

MSRP: $117|Avg: $15

98%

#194

Ryzen 5 PRO 5655G

MSRP: $146|Avg: $146

98%

#195

Athlon II X4 620

MSRP: $99|Avg: $15

98%

#196

Core i3-8100

MSRP: $117|Avg: $45

98%

#197

Core i3-4330TE

MSRP: $138|Avg: $15

98%

#198

Ryzen 7 PRO 5755G

MSRP: $300|Avg: $180

98%

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. 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
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

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	AMD
Launch Price	$149
Manufacturer	GlobalFoundries
Release Date	2009-01-01
Architecture Codename	Godaveri (2014−2016)
Performance Ranking Position	2307

Technical Specifications

11 specs

Cores	4
Threads	4
Die Size	245 mm2
L1 Cache	256K
L2 Cache	4 MB
Max Frequency	3.9 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	3.2 GHz
Transistor Count	2,411 million
Process Technology	28 nm
Unlocked Multiplier	+