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 X3 720 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Heka (2009−2010) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 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: 1,600 points. Launch price was $75.

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 II X3 720

#878

A10-7860K

MSRP: $117|Avg: N/A

111%

#879

Pentium G6951

MSRP: $89|Avg: $50

111%

#880

Core i3-8350K

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

111%

#881

Athlon 64 3400+

MSRP: $440|Avg: $20

109%

#882

Celeron G3900T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $70

109%

#883

Celeron G540T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

108%

#884

Ryzen Embedded V1807B

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

108%

#885

Celeron 2.40

MSRP: $69|Avg: $13

106%

#886

Pentium 4 2.53

MSRP: $193|Avg: $13

106%

#887

Ryzen Embedded R2312

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

105%

#888

Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

MSRP: $4999|Avg: $5200

105%

#889

Core i3-3220

MSRP: $117|Avg: $88

103%

#890

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

MSRP: $1799|Avg: $1247

102%

#891

Core i5-670

MSRP: $284|Avg: $100

102%

#892

Core i7-5930K

MSRP: $583|Avg: $410

101%

#893

Phenom II X3 720

MSRP: $130|Avg: $64

100%

#894

Sempron 3100+

MSRP: $65|Avg: $15

99%

#895

Core i7-3770S

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

99%

#896

A10 PRO-7850B

MSRP: $426|Avg: $140

98%

#897

Pentium G4620

MSRP: $86|Avg: $154

98%

#898

Core i3-4370T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $138

97%

#899

Sempron 3600+

MSRP: $105|Avg: $20

97%

#900

Core i7-860S

MSRP: $299|Avg: $96

97%

#901

Pentium E6600

MSRP: $84|Avg: $50

96%

#902

Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX

MSRP: $1299|Avg: $1300

95%

#903

Core 2 Duo E7600

MSRP: $133|Avg: $50

92%

#904

Pentium G620T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $90

91%

#905

A12-9800E

MSRP: $426|Avg: $150

91%

#906

FX-4350

MSRP: $122|Avg: $140

91%

#907

Athlon II X4 641

MSRP: $102|Avg: $102

91%

#908

Core i7-970

MSRP: $1083|Avg: $289

91%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Phenom II X3 720 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Phenom II X3 720 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Phenom II X3 720 is a 3-core / 3-thread processor based on the Heka (2009−2010) 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 6 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 1,600, 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 380, while multi-core reaches 980.

Specification	Phenom II X3 720
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	3C / 3T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Heka (2009−2010)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	6 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	258 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	758 million
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,600
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	380
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	980

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Phenom II X3 720 fits into the AM3 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Phenom II X3 720
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	AM3
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	Yes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	None
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	AM3,AM2+
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Phenom II X3 720 is primarily designed for Legacy Desktop. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Phenom II X3 720
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Legacy Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	AMD-V

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Phenom II X3 720 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. It ships with the Included stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Standard.

Specification	Phenom II X3 720
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Included
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Standard

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $64 (MSRP: $130), the Phenom II X3 720 delivers 25 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2748 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Phenom II X3 720
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$130
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$64
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$75
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2748
Release DateLaunch date	1 January 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD