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 X2 250 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2 June 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,080 points. Launch price was $39.

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 II X2 250

#574

Core 2 Duo E8700

MSRP: $256|Avg: $30

102%

#575

Core i7-4770R

MSRP: $360|Avg: $89

102%

#576

Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition

MSRP: $990|Avg: $175

102%

#577

Ryzen Threadripper 1950

MSRP: $999|Avg: $300

102%

#578

Ryzen 3 PRO 4350GE

MSRP: $149|Avg: N/A

102%

#579

Core i5-10500

MSRP: $200|Avg: $178

102%

#580

Celeron G6900T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $50

102%

#581

Core i9-10850K

MSRP: $453|Avg: $300

102%

#582

Pentium E5700

MSRP: $75|Avg: $15

101%

#583

Core i9-13900E

MSRP: $554|Avg: $554

101%

#584

Core i9-9820X

MSRP: $889|Avg: $280

101%

#585

Core i7-4960X

MSRP: $990|Avg: $136

101%

#586

Athlon II X4 620e

MSRP: $99|Avg: $40

101%

#587

Phenom X3 8750

MSRP: $195|Avg: $20

100%

#588

Core i9-9900X

MSRP: $989|Avg: $300

100%

#589

Athlon II X2 250

MSRP: $87|Avg: $15

100%

#590

Core i7-9700K

MSRP: $385|Avg: $200

100%

#591

Athlon II X2 235e

MSRP: $69|Avg: $15

100%

#592

Core i5-4570T

MSRP: $195|Avg: $45

99%

#593

Core i7-4770K

MSRP: $339|Avg: $100

99%

#594

FX-6120

MSRP: $188|Avg: $54

99%

#595

Core i3-10320

MSRP: $154|Avg: $140

99%

#596

Core i5-9600KF

MSRP: $262|Avg: $150

99%

#597

Pentium G3430

MSRP: $116|Avg: $30

98%

#598

Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE

MSRP: $180|Avg: $180

98%

#599

Pentium D 820

MSRP: $241|Avg: $20

98%

#600

Core i7-14701TE

MSRP: $392|Avg: $390

98%

#601

Core i7-975

MSRP: $999|Avg: $50

98%

#602

Pentium D 915

MSRP: $74|Avg: $10

98%

#603

Core i9-11900KF

MSRP: $513|Avg: $349

98%

#604

Core i3-12100TE

MSRP: $149|Avg: N/A

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon II X2 250 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon II X2 250 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon II X2 250 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3 GHz from a base frequency of 3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 2 MB of L2 cache and 256 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,080, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Athlon II X2 250
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Regor (2009−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	2 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	256 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	117 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	410 million
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,080

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X2 250 fits into the AM3 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to 1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 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 X2 250
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	0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16
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	AM2+,AM3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium E5700.

Specification	Athlon II X2 250
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	Pentium E5700

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon II X2 250 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the true stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock Cooler.

Specification	Athlon II X2 250
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	true
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock Cooler

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $87), the Athlon II X2 250 delivers 72 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3023 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon II X2 250
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$87
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$15
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$39
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3023
Release DateLaunch date	2 June 2009 (16 years ago)
Release Year	2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD