Phenom II X4 820
CPU·Budget

Phenom II X4 820

AMD

PassMark

2,114

MSRP

$150

AVG Price

$50

1 September 2009 (16 years ago)
95 Watt
Deneb (2009−2011)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

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 Phenom II X4 820 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,114 points. Launch price was $90.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Phenom II X4 820 is positioned at rank #916 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 Phenom II X4 820

#1
Ryzen 9 7950X
MSRP: $194|Avg: $20
22123%
#2
Core i9-10900T
MSRP: $120|Avg: $5
20904%
#3
Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE
MSRP: $423|Avg: $5
15178%
#4
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85
4573%
#5
Ryzen 9 9950X
MSRP: $649|Avg: $129
3622%
#6
Ryzen 5 8400F
MSRP: $303|Avg: $55
3168%
#7
Ryzen 7 PRO 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $60
1815%
#8
Ryzen 5 2600X
MSRP: $229|Avg: $55
1791%
#9
Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G
MSRP: $150|Avg: $60
1631%
#10
Core Ultra 5 245KF
MSRP: $294|Avg: $189
1631%
#11
Ryzen 5 5500
MSRP: $159|Avg: $85
1612%
#12
Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $80
1569%
#13
Core i3-9100E
MSRP: $202|Avg: $30
1547%
#14
Core Ultra 5 245K
MSRP: $319|Avg: $200
1541%
#15
Core i3-8300T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $25
1527%
#302
Core i7-6900K
MSRP: $1089|Avg: $1089
96%
#395
Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
MSRP: $4491|Avg: $4491
100%
#916
Phenom II X4 820
MSRP: $150|Avg: $50
100%
#917
Core i7-3930K
MSRP: $583|Avg: $150
100%
#919
Core i7-4930K
MSRP: $670|Avg: $100
99%
#920
Sempron LE-1250
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $20
99%
#921
Pentium E6500
MSRP: $84|Avg: $10
99%
#922
Core i5-2500
MSRP: $294|Avg: $69
99%
#924
Athlon II X4 605e
MSRP: $143|Avg: $25
97%
#925
Athlon II X4 610e
MSRP: $143|Avg: $20
97%
#926
Core i5-2390T
MSRP: $182|Avg: $182
97%
#927
Phenom II X4 910e
MSRP: $157|Avg: $69
97%
#928
FX-8100
MSRP: $300|Avg: $50
97%
#930
Celeron E1400
MSRP: $53|Avg: $63
96%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Phenom II X4 820 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Phenom II X4 820 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.8 GHz from a base frequency of 2.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) 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 2,114, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationPhenom II X4 820
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designDeneb (2009−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores4 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data512 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache128 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor258 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities758 million
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score2,114
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Phenom II X4 820 fits into the AM3 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

SpecificationPhenom II X4 820
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredAM3
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Phenom II X4 820 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.

SpecificationPhenom II X4 820
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload95 Watt
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $50 (MSRP: $150), the Phenom II X4 820 delivers 42 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #916 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2538 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationPhenom II X4 820
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$150
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$50
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$90
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#916
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2538
Release DateLaunch date1 September 2009 (16 years ago)
Release Year2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)AMD
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)GlobalFoundries

Our Recommendation for Phenom II X4 820

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

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