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 870K 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 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,443 points. Launch price was $149.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon X4 870K is positioned at rank #515 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 870K

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

8147%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

7698%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

5590%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

1684%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

1334%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1167%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

668%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

660%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

601%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

601%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

594%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

578%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

570%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

567%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

562%

#262

Core i7-8700K

MSRP: $359|Avg: $160

99%

#374

Core i9-13900TE

MSRP: $554|Avg: $554

97%

#515

Athlon X4 870K

MSRP: $90|Avg: $35

100%

#518

Pentium G2030T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

99%

#519

Athlon X4 730

MSRP: $60|Avg: $52

99%

#520

Core i3-7101E

MSRP: $117|Avg: $50

99%

#522

Athlon II X4 740

MSRP: $71|Avg: $20

99%

#525

Celeron G1840T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $10

98%

#527

Pentium G4500

MSRP: $75|Avg: $34

98%

#528

Athlon X4 740

MSRP: $71|Avg: $71

97%

#529

Xeon E5-2608L v4

MSRP: $363|Avg: $174

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon X4 870K across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon X4 870K specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon X4 870K 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 4.1 GHz from a base frequency of 3.9 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 3,443, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Athlon X4 870K
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.1 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.9 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	3,443

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon X4 870K 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 870K
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

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon X4 870K 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.

Specification	Athlon X4 870K
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $35 (MSRP: $90), the Athlon X4 870K delivers 98 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #515 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2127 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon X4 870K
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$90
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$35
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$149
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#515
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2127
Release DateLaunch date	2009-01-01
Release Year	2015
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	GlobalFoundries