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 860K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4 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: 3,425 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 Athlon X4 860K

#74

Core i5-4670R

MSRP: $224|Avg: $29

105%

#75

Core Ultra 7 265F

MSRP: $369|Avg: $276

104%

#76

Core i5-12400F

MSRP: $174|Avg: $110

104%

#77

FX-6330

MSRP: $109|Avg: $25

104%

#78

Core i3-3250T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $15

103%

#79

Ryzen 3 PRO 5355G

MSRP: $130|Avg: $80

102%

#80

Core i5-4670S

MSRP: $213|Avg: $30

102%

#81

Pentium Dual-Core E2160

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

102%

#82

Ryzen 7 2700X

MSRP: $329|Avg: $100

102%

#83

Athlon II X3 440

MSRP: $75|Avg: $10

102%

#84

Core i3-10100F

MSRP: $88|Avg: $50

102%

#85

Ryzen 5 7400F

MSRP: $150|Avg: $147

101%

#86

Core i5-3350P

MSRP: $189|Avg: $25

101%

#87

Core i3-4160T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $18

100%

#88

Core i7-4785T

MSRP: $306|Avg: $32

100%

#89

Athlon X4 860K

MSRP: $80|Avg: $20

100%

#90

Athlon X4 750K

MSRP: $91|Avg: $17

99%

#91

Pentium G2100T

MSRP: $75|Avg: $10

99%

#92

Ryzen 5 9600X

MSRP: $279|Avg: $189

98%

#93

Core i5-2320

MSRP: $177|Avg: $22

98%

#94

FX-4150

MSRP: $137|Avg: $20

97%

#95

FX-8120

MSRP: $205|Avg: $40

96%

#96

FX-6200

MSRP: $169|Avg: $25

96%

#97

Ryzen 7 3800X

MSRP: $399|Avg: $140

96%

#98

Core i3-560

MSRP: $138|Avg: $10

96%

#99

Ryzen 3 5300G

MSRP: $130|Avg: $80

95%

#100

Pentium Dual-Core E2140

MSRP: $74|Avg: $5

95%

#101

Core i7-4820K

MSRP: $332|Avg: $40

95%

#102

Ryzen 9 7900X

MSRP: $549|Avg: $316

95%

#103

Ryzen 5 5600X

MSRP: $299|Avg: $135

94%

#104

Core i5-14600KF

MSRP: $304|Avg: $239

94%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon X4 860K across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon X4 860K specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon X4 860K is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture, manufactured on a 28 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4 GHz from a base frequency of 3.7 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 3,425, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Athlon X4 860K
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.7 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Kaveri (2014−2015)
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	3,425

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon X4 860K 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 860K
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 860K 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 860K
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $20 (MSRP: $80), the Athlon X4 860K delivers 171 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2130 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon X4 860K
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$80
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$20
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$149
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2130
Release DateLaunch date	2009-01-01
Release Year	2014
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	GlobalFoundries