AMD Athlon 220GE

The AMD Athlon 220GE is a dual-core, four-thread desktop processor built on the Zen architecture, targeting the entry-level segment with a 35W TDP. Benchmark data positions this chip squarely in the lower tier of the overall CPU landscape, with a percentile ranking of 30, yet its average benchmark score of 1088 places it in a dead heat with several older Intel Core and Pentium parts. The data indicates a processor that delivers consistent, if unspectacular, performance for everyday tasks, with its integrated Radeon Vega 3 graphics adding functional value for basic multimedia use.

Benchmark Performance

The Athlon 220GE’s aggregate performance, measured by an average benchmark score of 1088, places it in a tightly contested group of rivals. The data shows a statistically negligible difference between this chip and its closest competitors, with deltas of less than one percent in all cases. It matches the Intel Core i5-3450S exactly with a 0% delta, and trails the Intel Core i7-4600M by a mere 0.3%. Conversely, it leads the Intel Pentium 6805 by 0.1% and the Intel Core i5-2450P by 0.2%. These figures indicate that in terms of raw processing throughput, the Athlon 220GE is functionally equivalent to a range of processors from several generations, offering no decisive advantage or disadvantage in this metric.

Specific workload results reinforce this mid-pack positioning. In Cinebench R23, the processor scores 3764 points in multi-core and 531 points in single-core tests. The multi-core result is the strongest indicator of its overall capability, showing that the two physical cores with simultaneous multithreading can handle moderately demanding productivity applications. The Cinebench R20 scores of 1580 multi-core and 223 single-core, along with the Cinebench R15 results of 379 multi-core and 53 single-core, demonstrate a consistent scaling pattern across different benchmark versions. The data suggests that while the Athlon 220GE is not a performance leader, it delivers a level of compute capability that is on par with its immediate rivals, making it a predictable choice for basic computing workloads.

Power and Thermals

The Athlon 220GE is specified with a TDP of 35 watts, classifying it as a low-power processor. This power envelope is a defining characteristic of the chip, as it directly influences the thermal requirements and system design. The 35W TDP implies that a simple, low-profile air cooler is sufficient for effective thermal management, making it suitable for compact desktop builds and small form factor systems where cooling space is at a premium. The low power draw also suggests minimal impact on overall system heat output, which can be a benefit in densely packed or passively cooled configurations.

The combination of a modest core count and a 14 nm process node contributes to this efficient power profile. The data does not specify thermal performance under load, but the TDP class strongly suggests that sustained operation will not present thermal challenges for standard cooling solutions. This efficiency makes the processor an option for users prioritizing low noise and low power consumption over peak performance. The absence of a boost clock further indicates that the chip operates within a narrow power band, avoiding the power spikes associated with higher-clocked parts.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The benchmark results reveal a pronounced disparity between single-thread and multi-thread performance, with the multi-core scores being substantially higher. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score of 3764 is roughly seven times greater than the single-core score of 531, indicating that the processor’s dual-core design with four threads scales effectively when workloads can utilize all available execution resources. This scaling suggests that the Zen architecture’s simultaneous multithreading implementation is efficient, extracting significant additional throughput from the two physical cores.

This behavioral split has practical implications for real-world use. Applications that are heavily dependent on single-thread performance, such as older games or certain legacy software, will see limited performance due to the relatively low single-core score. The Cinebench R15 single-core score of 53 and the R20 score of 223 are indicative of a processor that is not optimized for latency-sensitive, single-threaded tasks. Conversely, workloads that can take advantage of multiple threads, such as video transcoding, file compression, or multitasking across several lighter applications, will benefit from the strong multi-core showing. The data points to a processor best suited for multi-threaded productivity and general desktop use rather than single-thread-centric applications.

Platform and Compatibility

The Athlon 220GE is designed for the AMD Socket AM4 platform, providing a clear upgrade path within that ecosystem. It supports DDR4 memory through a dual-channel memory bus, with a maximum memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s. This memory configuration is adequate for the processor’s performance class, ensuring that memory bandwidth is not a bottleneck for its compute capabilities. The platform utilizes PCIe Gen 3, providing 8 CPU lanes for discrete devices, which is sufficient for a single graphics card or other expansion cards.

The processor integrates Radeon Vega 3 graphics, eliminating the need for a discrete GPU in basic systems. This integration makes the platform a cost-effective solution for office work, media playback, and light gaming. The socket’s longevity means users can potentially upgrade to higher-performing AM4 processors without changing the motherboard, though the data does not specify which specific motherboard chipsets are compatible. The processor is not multiplier-unlocked, which limits overclocking potential, but its low TDP and integrated graphics position it as a stable, low-maintenance platform component.

How It Compares

vs. Intel Core i5-3450S: The Athlon 220GE delivers an identical average benchmark score of 1088, resulting in a 0% delta. The data shows no performance difference between these two processors in aggregate benchmarks, despite the Intel part being an older quad-core design. The AMD chip achieves parity with a newer architecture and a significantly lower TDP.

vs. Intel Pentium 6805: The Athlon 220GE holds a marginal 0.1% performance advantage, with an average score of 1088 versus 1087. This negligible delta indicates that the two processors are effectively interchangeable in terms of raw performance, with the choice between them likely coming down to platform preferences or integrated graphics capabilities.

vs. Intel Core i5-2450P: The AMD processor leads this older Intel quad-core part by 0.2%, with scores of 1088 versus 1086. This result shows that the Athlon 220GE’s newer architecture and higher clock speed on fewer cores can edge out a previous-generation processor with more physical cores in overall benchmark performance.

vs. Intel Core i7-4600M: The Athlon 220GE trails this Intel mobile processor by 0.3%, with scores of 1088 versus 1091. The data indicates that the i7-4600M holds a very slight performance lead, though the difference is within the margin of error for most applications. The AMD chip still offers a competitive alternative in a desktop form factor.

FAQ

Q: What is the average benchmark score for the AMD Athlon 220GE?

A: The average benchmark score is 1088, which places it in the 30th percentile of all CPUs.

Q: How does the Athlon 220GE perform compared to the Intel Core i5-3450S?

A: The two processors have identical average benchmark scores of 1088, resulting in a 0% performance delta.

Q: Does the Athlon 220GE include integrated graphics?

A: Yes, it integrates Radeon Vega 3 graphics, which eliminates the need for a separate graphics card in basic systems.

Q: What type of memory does the Athlon 220GE support?

A: It supports DDR4 memory via a dual-channel memory bus, providing 42.7 GB/s of memory bandwidth. ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What is the TDP of the Athlon 220GE?

A: The TDP is rated at 35 watts, indicating a low-power design suitable for simple cooling solutions.

Q: What socket does the Athlon 220GE use?

A: It uses the AMD Socket AM4 and provides 8 PCIe Gen 3 lanes for CPU-connected devices.

Architecture and Design

The Athlon 220GE is built on the Zen architecture, with a codename of Zen and a generation designation of Athlon (Zen (Raven Ridge)). It is manufactured on a 14 nm process node by GlobalFoundries. The chip contains 4,950 million transistors on a die size of 209.8 mm². The processor features two physical cores with four threads, enabling simultaneous multithreading for improved parallel task execution.

The cache hierarchy consists of 96 KB of L1 cache per core and 512 KB of L2 cache per core, with a shared 4 MB L3 cache. This cache configuration is designed to reduce memory latency and improve data access efficiency for frequently used instructions. The base clock is set at 3.40 GHz, with no boost clock listed, meaning the processor operates at a fixed frequency. The design emphasizes power efficiency and integrated functionality, combining the CPU cores with Radeon Vega 3 graphics on a single die, which is characteristic of the Raven Ridge family.