Athlon 64 FX-55 vs Athlon 64 FX-57

AMD

Athlon 64 FX-55

1 Cores1 Thrd104 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2004
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Athlon 64 FX-57

1 Cores1 Thrd104 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2005
Similar parts
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Athlon 64 FX-55 vs Athlon 64 FX-57 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.

Athlon 64 FX-55 vs Athlon 64 FX-57 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.

Athlon 64 FX-55 vs Athlon 64 FX-57: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Athlon 64 FX-55

2004

Why buy it

  • Costs $204 less on MSRP ($827 MSRP vs $1,031 MSRP).
  • Delivers 19.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 0.8 vs 0.7 PassMark/$ ($827 MSRP vs $1,031 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon 64 FX-57 across 29 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (690 vs 720).

Athlon 64 FX-57

2005

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +5.3% higher average FPS across 29 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 0.7 vs 0.8 PassMark/$ ($1,031 MSRP vs $827 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon 64 FX-57 better than Athlon 64 FX-55?
Yes. Athlon 64 FX-57 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.3% average FPS lead across 29 shared CPU game tests in our data, 4.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Athlon 64 FX-57 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.3% more average FPS across 29 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon 64 FX-57 is the stronger fit. You are getting 4.3% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon 64 FX-57 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Athlon 64 FX-57 comes in 24.7% more expensive on MSRP at $1,031 MSRP versus $827 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.3% average FPS lead across 29 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon 64 FX-55 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2004 platform. Even with 19.5% better value on paper (0.8 vs 0.7 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on 939.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Athlon 64 FX-57 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2005 vs 2004) and more multi-core headroom with 1 cores / 1 threads instead of 1/1. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Athlon 64 FX-55 vs Athlon 64 FX-57 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon 64 FX-55

The Athlon 64 FX-55 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 October 2004 (21 years ago). It is based on the Clawhammer (2001−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 104 Watt. Memory support: DDR1 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 690 points. Launch price was $180.

AMD

Athlon 64 FX-57

The Athlon 64 FX-57 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the San Diego (2001−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 104 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 720 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon 64 FX-55 and Athlon 64 FX-57 share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Athlon 64 FX-55 versus 2.8 GHz on the Athlon 64 FX-57 — a 7.4% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 FX-57. The Athlon 64 FX-55 uses the Clawhammer (2001−2005) architecture (130 nm), while the Athlon 64 FX-57 uses San Diego (2001−2005) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 FX-55 scores 690 against the Athlon 64 FX-57's 720 — a 4.3% lead for the Athlon 64 FX-57. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureAthlon 64 FX-55Athlon 64 FX-57
Cores / Threads
1 / 1
1 / 1
Boost Clock
2.6 GHz
2.8 GHz+8%
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
1 MB
1 MB
Process
130 nm
90 nm-31%
Architecture
Clawhammer (2001−2005)
San Diego (2001−2005)
PassMark
690
720+4%
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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the 939 socket with PCIe 1.1. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR1-400 on the Athlon 64 FX-55 versus DDR-400 on the Athlon 64 FX-57 — the Athlon 64 FX-55 supports -200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 4 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: nForce3,nForce4,Xpress 200 (Athlon 64 FX-55) and AMD 939 (Athlon 64 FX-57).

FeatureAthlon 64 FX-55Athlon 64 FX-57
Socket
939
939
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
DDR1-400
DDR-400
Max RAM Capacity
4 GB
4 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
0
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon 64 FX-55 was priced at $827, while the Athlon 64 FX-57 came in at $1031. On launch pricing ($827 vs $1031), Athlon 64 FX-55 was $204 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 FX-55 delivers 0.8 pts/$ vs 0.7 pts/$ for the Athlon 64 FX-57 — making the Athlon 64 FX-55 the 17.7% better value option.

FeatureAthlon 64 FX-55Athlon 64 FX-57
MSRP
$827-20%
$1031
Performance per Dollar
0.8+14%
0.7
Release Date
2004
2005

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