Best AM3 processor

Last updated: 2012-12-24 13:01 US/Eastern

How to find the best processor for a given price? First - choose which type of performance characteristic you are interested in. "Overall performance" takes into account all CPU cores which means it shows total theoretical CPU speed. If you plan to use applications capable of handling multiple cores (for example: audio and video editing, 3D rendering and most of the newer 3D games), then this is the chart for you. On the other hand, "Single-core performance" shows approximate performance of a single core in every CPU. Most of the "non-proffesional" applications still are able to use only a single core, so this CPU speed chart is more applicable to them.

When you have chosen the chart, then find your budgeted price on its horizontal axis. On the left of your price find the highest point on the chart. To answer the big question: "which is the the best processor?" - its this one!

These CPU speed and value charts are built based on performance data from cpubenchmark.net and prices from Newegg. "Score" is computed as performance to price ratio.

CPU price ranges

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CPU Socket Performance Price Score
AMD Athlon II X4 640 AM3 3386 69.99 48.38
AMD Phenom II X4 965 AM3 4311 99.99 43.11
AMD Phenom II X4 955 AM3 4040 94.99 42.53
AMD Athlon II X3 455 AM3 2977 71.99 41.35
AMD Athlon II X3 450 AM3 2570 69.99 36.72
AMD Athlon II X2 270 AM3 1921 54.99 34.93
AMD Athlon II X4 645 AM3 3368 99.99 33.68
AMD Athlon II X2 260 AM3 1786 58.99 30.28
AMD Sempron 145 AM3 831 38.99 21.31

Hold Shift and click to sort by more than one column.

CPU Socket Performance Price Score
AMD Sempron 145 AM3 831 38.99 21.31
AMD Athlon II X2 270 AM3 960 54.99 17.46
AMD Athlon II X2 260 AM3 893 58.99 15.14
AMD Athlon II X3 455 AM3 992 71.99 13.78
AMD Athlon II X3 450 AM3 856 69.99 12.23
AMD Athlon II X4 640 AM3 846 69.99 12.09
AMD Phenom II X4 965 AM3 1077 99.99 10.77
AMD Phenom II X4 955 AM3 1010 94.99 10.63
AMD Athlon II X4 645 AM3 842 99.99 8.42

Note: Results presented can not be treated as the one and only truth, simply because there is not one definition of generally "best processor". Before making final decision about purchasing your chosen CPU, make sure to read some more in-depth reviews published by specialized sites.

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