Athlon 64 FX-55 vs Core 2 Duo L7200

AMD

Athlon 64 FX-55

1 Cores1 Thrd104 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2004
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core 2 Duo L7200

2 Cores17 WW2007
Similar parts
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Athlon 64 FX-55 vs Core 2 Duo L7200 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 Core 2 Duo L7200 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 Core 2 Duo L7200: 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

    Trade-offs

    • Launch MSRP is still $827 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo L7200 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • 511.8% higher power demand at 104W vs 17W.

    Core 2 Duo L7200

    2007

    Why buy it

    • Draws 17W instead of 104W, a 87W reduction.

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (685 vs 690).

    Quick Answers

    So, is Athlon 64 FX-55 better than Core 2 Duo L7200?
    Yes. Athlon 64 FX-55 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Athlon 64 FX-55 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% more average FPS across 50 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-55 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Athlon 64 FX-55 is the better buy right now. Athlon 64 FX-55 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $827 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (0.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Core 2 Duo L7200 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2007 vs 2004). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Athlon 64 FX-55 vs Core 2 Duo L7200 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.

    Intel

    Core 2 Duo L7200

    The Core 2 Duo L7200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It has 2 cores. Base frequency: 1.33 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB L2 Cache. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: BGA479. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 685 points. Launch price was $249.

    Processing Power

    The Athlon 64 FX-55 packs 1 cores / 1 threads, while the Core 2 Duo L7200 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core 2 Duo L7200 has 1 more core. The Athlon 64 FX-55 is built on the Clawhammer (2001−2005) architecture. In PassMark, the Athlon 64 FX-55 scores 690 against the Core 2 Duo L7200's 685 — a 0.7% lead for the Athlon 64 FX-55. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon 64 FX-55 vs 4 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo L7200.

    FeatureAthlon 64 FX-55Core 2 Duo L7200
    Cores / Threads
    1 / 1
    2+100%
    Boost Clock
    2.6 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.6 GHz+95%
    1.33 GHz
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    4 MB L2 Cache
    L2 Cache
    1 MB
    Process
    130 nm
    65 nm-50%
    Architecture
    Clawhammer (2001−2005)
    PassMark
    690
    685
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Athlon 64 FX-55 uses the 939 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Duo L7200 uses BGA479 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureAthlon 64 FX-55Core 2 Duo L7200
    Socket
    939
    BGA479
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 1.1
    PCIe 1.1
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR1-400
    Max RAM Capacity
    4 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    0