CPU·Budget

Athlon X4 950

AMD

PassMark

3,576

MSRP

$58

AVG Price

$15

27 July 2017 (8 years ago)

65 Watt

Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Athlon X4 950

4 / 4

3,576

0.0%

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 950 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 3,576 points. Launch price was $60.

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 950

#15

Celeron G1610

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

130%

#16

Core i5-2310

MSRP: $177|Avg: $12

128%

#17

Core i3-4130T

MSRP: $124|Avg: $10

121%

#18

Core i5-3340

MSRP: $182|Avg: $15

119%

#19

Pentium G640

MSRP: $64|Avg: $5

115%

#20

Core i3-6300T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $15

111%

#21

Core i5-680

MSRP: $294|Avg: $10

110%

#22

Ryzen 7 1700X

MSRP: $399|Avg: $60

109%

#23

Core i3-3240T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $8

109%

#24

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

107%

#25

Core i5-3570T

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

106%

#26

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

106%

#27

Athlon X4 845

MSRP: $70|Avg: $15

105%

#28

Pentium E6700

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

102%

#29

Pentium G2130

MSRP: $75|Avg: $8

100%

#30

Athlon X4 950

MSRP: $58|Avg: $15

100%

#31

Phenom II X4 B97

MSRP: $100|Avg: $11

97%

#32

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

96%

#33

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

96%

#34

Core i5-4570R

MSRP: $250|Avg: $20

96%

#35

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

95%

#36

Core 2 Duo E6320

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

94%

#37

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

93%

#38

Core i5-3450S

MSRP: $174|Avg: $20

92%

#39

Celeron E3200

MSRP: $43|Avg: $5

91%

#40

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

91%

#41

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

91%

#42

Core i7-950

MSRP: $562|Avg: $15

91%

#43

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

90%

#44

Celeron G550T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

90%

#45

Core 2 Duo E6300

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

89%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon X4 950 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon X4 950 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon X4 950 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 28 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.8 GHz from a base frequency of 3.5 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 3,576, 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 656, while multi-core reaches 1,637.

Specification	Athlon X4 950
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	28 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	246 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,178 million
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	3,576
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	656
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,637

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon X4 950 fits into the AM4 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 8 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 Dual-channel memory at speeds up to DDR4-2400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Athlon X4 950
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	AM4
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	8
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4 Dual-channel
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2400
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	Socket AM4
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Athlon X4 950
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	AMD-V

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon X4 950 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. It ships with the Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Athlon X4 950
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $58), the Athlon X4 950 delivers 238 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2099 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon X4 950
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$58
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$15
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$60
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2099
Release DateLaunch date	27 July 2017 (8 years ago)
Release Year	2017
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD

Specifications Reference

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

4 categories

General Information

6 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	AMD
Launch Price	$60
Release Date	27 July 2017 (8 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)
Performance Ranking Position	2099

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores	4
Threads	4
Die Size	246 mm2
L1 Cache	128 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	512 kB (per core)
L3 Cache	0 kB
Max Frequency	3.8 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	3.5 GHz
Transistor Count	1,178 million
Process Technology	28 nm
Unlocked Multiplier	+
Windows 11 Compatible	-
Max Case Temperature (TCase)	74 °C