Athlon 64 FX-55 vs Opteron 252

AMD

Athlon 64 FX-55

1 Cores1 Thrd104 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2004
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Opteron 252

1 Cores1 Thrd92 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2005
Similar parts
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Athlon 64 FX-55 vs Opteron 252 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 Opteron 252 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 Opteron 252: 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

  • Better for gaming: +6.6% higher average FPS across 30 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $827 MSRP, while Opteron 252 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Opteron 252

2005

Why buy it

  • Draws 92W instead of 104W, a 12W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon 64 FX-55 across 30 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (655 vs 690).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon 64 FX-55 better than Opteron 252?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 252 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Athlon 64 FX-55 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
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 6.6% more average FPS across 30 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 5.3% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon 64 FX-55 is the better buy right now. Athlon 64 FX-55 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $827 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.6% average FPS lead across 30 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (0.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Opteron 252 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2005 vs 2004). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon 64 FX-55 vs Opteron 252 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

Opteron 252

The Opteron 252 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Fevereiro 2005 (20 years ago). It is based on the Troy (2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: 940. Thermal design power (TDP): 92 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 655 points. Launch price was $63.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon 64 FX-55 and Opteron 252 share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Athlon 64 FX-55 versus 2.6 GHz on the Opteron 252 — identical boost frequencies. The Athlon 64 FX-55 uses the Clawhammer (2001−2005) architecture (130 nm), while the Opteron 252 uses Troy (2005) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 FX-55 scores 690 against the Opteron 252's 655 — a 5.2% lead for the Athlon 64 FX-55. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureAthlon 64 FX-55Opteron 252
Cores / Threads
1 / 1
1 / 1
Boost Clock
2.6 GHz
2.6 GHz
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)
Troy (2005)
PassMark
690+5%
655
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon 64 FX-55 uses the 939 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Opteron 252 uses 940 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAthlon 64 FX-55Opteron 252
Socket
939
940
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed
DDR1-400
Max RAM Capacity
4 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
0