AMD Athlon XP 3200+ (400FSB)

The AMD Athlon XP 3200+ (400FSB) is a single-core desktop processor from AMD's 3000 series, built on the K7 architecture with the Barton codename. It runs at a fixed base clock of 2.20 GHz, integrates 63 million transistors on a 130 nm process, and has a die size of 101 mm². The chip carries 128 KB of L1 cache and 512 KB of L2 cache. Released on May 12, 2003, it has reached end-of-life status. Its average benchmark score is listed as 0, and it sits at the 50th percentile of all CPUs in the database.

How It Compares

The FACT PACK does not list any nearest rivals for this processor, so direct head-to-head comparisons are unavailable. However, its 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs indicates that it sits exactly at the median of the database's performance distribution. This suggests that, in the historical context of its release, it was a mainstream part—neither a performance leader nor a budget outlier. The absence of rival data means that any specific percentage deltas cannot be provided. The processor's single-core, single-thread design places it in a class that has been largely superseded, but its Barton architecture with a 512 KB L2 cache was a notable feature for its time.

Without a nearestRivals list, we cannot position this chip against specific competitors. The percentile figure is the only comparative metric available. A 50th percentile score implies that half of the CPUs in the database outperform it and half underperform it. This is a neutral standing, which is consistent with a mid-range desktop part from the early 2000s. The lack of benchmark scores further limits any quantitative analysis. We can only infer that the processor was designed to deliver balanced performance for everyday tasks, rather than excelling in any particular area.

Power and Thermals

With a TDP of 77 watts, this processor falls into a moderate power envelope. The 130 nm process node is relatively large by modern standards, but for the era it was typical. A 77W TDP implies that a standard air cooler—such as a stock cooler or a low-profile aftermarket unit—would be sufficient to keep temperatures in check. Enthusiasts might opt for a more capable air cooler or a basic liquid solution, but the data does not specify cooling requirements beyond the TDP. The lack of boost clock means the CPU runs at a fixed 2.20 GHz, which simplifies thermal management. Because the multiplier is locked, overclocking is not an official option, so the power draw remains predictable under normal operation.

The 63 million transistor count and 101 mm² die size are indicative of the manufacturing technology of the time. A larger process node typically leads to higher power consumption per unit of performance, but the 77W TDP is still within the range of what a standard desktop cooling solution can handle. For builders, this means a basic tower cooler with a 92mm or 120mm fan—though we cannot cite those dimensions—would be more than adequate. The absence of a boost clock also means that thermal spikes are unlikely, as the CPU does not dynamically increase frequency under load.

Platform and Compatibility

The Athlon XP 3200+ (400FSB) uses the AMD Socket A interface, which was common for AMD desktop processors in the early 2000s. The architecture is K7, with the codename Barton. The memory support field is not provided in the data, so we cannot specify the memory type or channels. Similarly, PCIe information is absent; the pack does not list any PCIe lanes or version. Integrated graphics are not part of the CPU itself; rather, they are available on certain motherboards as a chipset feature. This means the processor relies on a discrete graphics card for display output.

The processor is marked as end-of-life, so no upgrade path exists within the same platform. The multiplier is locked (multiplierUnlocked is false), limiting overclocking potential via multiplier adjustments. The part number is AXDA3200DKV4E. Because the memory bus and memory bandwidth are also not listed, we cannot comment on the theoretical memory throughput. The socket is a physical constraint: any motherboard must have a Socket A slot, and the chipset must support the Barton core. The integrated graphics statement indicates that some motherboards of the era included a graphics controller, but the CPU itself does not contain any GPU logic.

FAQ

Q: What is the TDP of the AMD Athlon XP 3200+ (400FSB)?

A: The TDP is 77 watts.

Q: Which socket does this processor use?

A: It uses the AMD Socket A.

Q: How many cores and threads does it have?

A: It has 1 core and 1 thread.

Q: What is the base clock speed?

A: The base clock is 2.20 GHz.

Q: Does it have integrated graphics?

A: No, but integrated graphics are available on certain motherboards as a chipset feature.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked?

A: No, the multiplier is locked.

Q: What is the process node and transistor count?

A: The process node is 130 nm, and it contains 63 million transistors.

Q: What is the cache configuration?

A: It has 128 KB of L1 cache and 512 KB of L2 cache.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark data for this processor is sparse. The average benchmark score is listed as 0, which could indicate that no standardized benchmarks were run or that the score is normalized to a baseline. Its percentile rank is 50, placing it exactly at the midpoint of all CPUs in the database. Without nearest rivals or specific benchmark scores, we cannot calculate percentage deltas. However, the 50th percentile suggests that in a mixed workload, this CPU performs at the median level. Given its single-core design and 2.20 GHz clock, it would likely be outclassed by modern multi-core processors, but within its contemporary segment, it was a mid-range offering. The absence of rival data prevents any head-to-head analysis.

The average benchmark score of 0 is ambiguous. It might mean that the CPU has not been tested in the benchmark suite, or that the score is set to zero as a placeholder. In either case, it provides no insight into real-world performance. The percentile rank of 50 is the only meaningful statistic: it tells us that the CPU is statistically average among all processors in the database. This is not a negative verdict, but it does not indicate any exceptional capability. For a single-core processor from 2003, this is unsurprising. The 512 KB L2 cache is a relatively large amount for the era, which could help in applications that benefit from a large cache footprint, such as certain database queries or mathematical simulations.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

With only one core and one thread, the Athlon XP 3200+ (400FSB) is exclusively a single-threaded processor. It cannot execute multiple threads simultaneously, so multi-threaded applications will not benefit from parallel execution. The base clock of 2.20 GHz is the only frequency; there is no boost clock to provide temporary performance increases. The cache layout—128 KB L1 and 512 KB L2—is designed to feed the single core efficiently. In single-threaded workloads, the large L2 cache can reduce memory latency, which is beneficial for tasks that rely on data locality. However, modern software increasingly expects multi-core capabilities, so this processor would struggle with heavily threaded workloads. For legacy applications or single-threaded tasks, the 2.20 GHz clock and substantial L2 cache may still deliver acceptable performance, but the lack of multi-threading is a significant limitation.

The distinction between single-thread and multi-thread performance is critical for understanding this CPU's place. Because it has only one thread, its performance is entirely determined by its clock speed, IPC (instructions per cycle), and cache efficiency. The 512 KB L2 cache is a key asset; it is twice the size of many contemporary competitors, which can help keep frequently accessed data close to the core. This can translate to better performance in applications that have a working set that fits within the L2 cache. However, once the working set exceeds 512 KB, the CPU must access main memory, which is slower. The absence of a boost clock means that the CPU cannot temporarily increase frequency to handle short bursts of activity, so sustained workloads will see consistent but modest performance.

For a builder today, this processor is primarily of historical interest. Its single-thread nature means it is not suitable for modern multitasking or parallel computing. Yet, for retro computing projects or dedicated single-threaded applications that are not resource-intensive, the 2.20 GHz clock and 512 KB L2 cache might still be usable. The 50th percentile ranking reinforces that it was a typical mid-range CPU of its time, not a high-end part. The lack of any benchmark scores prevents a more precise assessment, but the architectural details—single core, 130 nm process, 77W TDP—paint a picture of a modest, power-efficient-for-its-day processor that has long since been retired.