A6-9220 vs Athlon II X2 265

AMD

A6-9220

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2016
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Athlon II X2 265

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2010
Similar parts
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A6-9220 vs Athlon II X2 265 Performance Spectrum

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.

A6-9220 vs Athlon II X2 265 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A6-9220 vs Athlon II X2 265: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A6-9220

2016

Why buy it

  • Draws 1W instead of 65W, a 64W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (8 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with AMD Radeon R4, while Athlon II X2 265 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,307 vs 1,324).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon II X2 265.

Athlon II X2 265

2010

Why buy it

  • Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike A6-9220.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $83 MSRP, while A6-9220 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 6400% higher power demand at 65W vs 1W.
  • No integrated graphics, while A6-9220 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X2 265 better than A6-9220?
Yes. Athlon II X2 265 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 1.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Athlon II X2 265 has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 13.8% higher max boost clock.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X2 265 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon II X2 265 is the better buy right now. Athlon II X2 265 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $83 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.3% higher PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (16.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A6-9220 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A6-9220 vs Athlon II X2 265 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

A6-9220

The A6-9220 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: BGA. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,307 points. Launch price was $70.

AMD

Athlon II X2 265

The Athlon II X2 265 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 21 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,324 points. Launch price was $83.

Processing Power

Both the A6-9220 and Athlon II X2 265 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the A6-9220 versus 3.3 GHz on the Athlon II X2 265 — a 12.9% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 265 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The A6-9220 uses the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Athlon II X2 265 uses Regor (2009−2013) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A6-9220 scores 1,307 against the Athlon II X2 265's 1,324 — a 1.3% lead for the Athlon II X2 265.

FeatureA6-9220Athlon II X2 265
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.9 GHz
3.3 GHz+14%
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
3.3 GHz+32%
L3 Cache
0 kB
L2 Cache
1 MB
1 MB
Process
28 nm-38%
45 nm
Architecture
Stoney Ridge (2016−2019)
Regor (2009−2013)
PassMark
1,307
1,324+1%
Geekbench 6 Single
275
Geekbench 6 Multi
520
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Memory & Platform

The A6-9220 uses the BGA socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Athlon II X2 265 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the A6-9220 versus DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X2 265 — the A6-9220 supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X2 265 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (A6-9220) vs 2 (Athlon II X2 265). PCIe lanes: 8 (A6-9220) vs 0 (Athlon II X2 265) — the A6-9220 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD FT4 (A6-9220) and 760G,780G,785G,790GX,870,880G,890GX,890FX (Athlon II X2 265).

FeatureA6-9220Athlon II X2 265
Socket
BGA
AM3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133+60%
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
16 GB+100%
RAM Channels
1
2+100%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
8
0
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (A6-9220) / AMD-V (Athlon II X2 265). The A6-9220 includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon R4), while the Athlon II X2 265 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Athlon II X2 265 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 265 rivals Pentium E6700.

FeatureA6-9220Athlon II X2 265
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
AMD Radeon R4
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Target Use
Legacy Desktop