CPU·Budget

Phenom X3 8450

AMD

PassMark

1,221

MSRP

$145

AVG Price

$147

2009-01-01

95 Watt

Toliman (2008)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Phenom X3 8450

3 / 3

1,221

0.0%

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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 Phenom X3 8450 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Toliman (2008) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,221 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 Phenom X3 8450

#966

Phenom II X4 810

MSRP: $175|Avg: N/A

140%

#967

Athlon 64 X2 4200+

MSRP: $581|Avg: $110

137%

#968

Pentium III 1400

MSRP: $250|Avg: $20

137%

#969

Celeron E1400

MSRP: $53|Avg: $63

137%

#970

Athlon X2 BE-2300

MSRP: $100|Avg: $80

136%

#971

Athlon XP 3200+

MSRP: $464|Avg: $40

134%

#972

Sempron 2800+

MSRP: $65|Avg: $29

133%

#973

A8-3820

MSRP: $280|Avg: $200

131%

#974

Athlon XP 2800+

MSRP: $375|Avg: $35

131%

#975

Pentium III 1266S

MSRP: $369|Avg: $20

126%

#976

Athlon XP 2200+

MSRP: $241|Avg: $30

112%

#977

Athlon II X4 635

MSRP: $400|Avg: $250

108%

#978

Athlon XP 2100+

MSRP: $420|Avg: $30

106%

#979

Pentium G4400TE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $250

105%

#980

Celeron 2.70

MSRP: $49|Avg: $49

100%

#981

Phenom X3 8450

MSRP: $145|Avg: $147

100%

#982

Athlon II X4 638

MSRP: $300|Avg: $280

97%

#983

Ryzen Embedded R2314

MSRP: $300|Avg: $762

92%

#984

Core 2 Duo E7200

MSRP: $133|Avg: $133

91%

#985

Athlon XP 1800+

MSRP: $252|Avg: $30

90%

#986

Celeron E1200

MSRP: $53|Avg: $98

82%

#987

Athlon XP 2000+

MSRP: $339|Avg: $40

76%

#988

Pentium III 1133

MSRP: $990|Avg: $30

72%

#989

Celeron 2.10

MSRP: $49|Avg: $49

70%

#990

Pentium 4 1.80

MSRP: $562|Avg: $40

68%

#991

Athlon 64 FX-57

MSRP: $1031|Avg: $200

43%

#992

Phenom X4 9450e

MSRP: $450|Avg: $430

41%

#993

Core 2 Extreme QX9770

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $1399

40%

#994

Athlon 64 3300+

MSRP: $200|Avg: $200

31%

#995

Pentium 4 2.40

MSRP: $193|Avg: $193

20%

#996

Pentium 4 2.66

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

15%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Phenom X3 8450 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Phenom X3 8450 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Phenom X3 8450 is a 3-core / 3-thread processor based on the Toliman (2008) architecture, manufactured on a 65 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 2 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 1,221, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Phenom X3 8450
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	3C / 3T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Toliman (2008)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	65 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	2 MB (total)
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	285 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	450 million
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,221

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Phenom X3 8450 fits into the AM2+ socket and supports PCIe 2.0.

Specification	Phenom X3 8450
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	AM2+
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Phenom X3 8450 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	Phenom X3 8450
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $147 (MSRP: $145), the Phenom X3 8450 delivers 8 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2935 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Phenom X3 8450
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$145
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$147
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$149
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2935
Release DateLaunch date	2009-01-01
Release Year	2008
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.

3 categories

General Information

6 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	AMD
Launch Price	$149
Release Date	2009-01-01
Architecture Codename	Toliman (2008)
Performance Ranking Position	2935

Technical Specifications

11 specs

Cores	3
Threads	3
Die Size	285 mm2
L1 Cache	128 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	512 kB (per core)
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)
Max Frequency	2.1 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Transistor Count	450 million
Process Technology	65 nm
Windows 11 Compatible	-