Athlon II M300
AMD
PassMark
1,700
MSRP
$100
AVG Price
$10
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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 II M300 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Caspian (2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1g3. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,700 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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon II M300
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Athlon II M300 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Path of Exile 2
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Athlon II M300 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Athlon II M300 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Caspian (2009) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2 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 1,700, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Athlon II M300 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Caspian (2009) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 45 nm |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 1 MB |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 128 kB |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 3200 MHz |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 1,700 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon II M300 fits into the S1g3 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR2 memory at speeds up to 800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 8 across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Athlon II M300 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | AMD Athlon II |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | S1g3 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 2.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR2 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | 800 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 8 |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | No |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | None |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | S1g3 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Core 2 Duo T6400.
| Specification | Athlon II M300 |
|---|---|
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | true |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | Core 2 Duo T6400 |
Power & Cooling
The Athlon II M300 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 1 MB — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the false stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Laptop Integrated.
| Specification | Athlon II M300 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 1 MB |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | false |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Laptop Integrated |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $10 (MSRP: $100), the Athlon II M300 delivers 170 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3268 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Athlon II M300 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $100 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $10 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $149 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #3268 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2009-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2009 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | AMD |
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Our Recommendation for Athlon II M300
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