Athlon 64 FX-57 vs Core 2 Duo T5200

AMD

Athlon 64 FX-57

1 Cores1 Thrd104 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2005
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core 2 Duo T5200

2 Cores2 Thrd2 WWMax: 1.66 GHz2006
Similar parts
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Athlon 64 FX-57 vs Core 2 Duo T5200 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-57 vs Core 2 Duo T5200 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-57 vs Core 2 Duo T5200: 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-57

2005

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Launch MSRP is still $1,031 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T5200 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • 5100% higher power demand at 104W vs 2W.

    Core 2 Duo T5200

    2006

    Why buy it

    • Draws 2W instead of 104W, a 102W reduction.

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (705 vs 720).

    Quick Answers

    So, is Athlon 64 FX-57 better than Core 2 Duo T5200?
    Yes. Athlon 64 FX-57 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 2.1% 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-57 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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-57 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.1% 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 the better buy right now. Athlon 64 FX-57 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $1,031 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (0.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 T5200 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2006 vs 2005). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Athlon 64 FX-57 vs Core 2 Duo T5200 Technical Specifications

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

    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.

    Intel

    Core 2 Duo T5200

    The Core 2 Duo T5200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.66 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: BGA479. Thermal design power (TDP): 34 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 705 points. Launch price was $249.

    Processing Power

    The Athlon 64 FX-57 packs 1 cores / 1 threads, while the Core 2 Duo T5200 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core 2 Duo T5200 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Athlon 64 FX-57 versus 1.66 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5200 — a 51.1% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 FX-57. The Athlon 64 FX-57 uses the San Diego (2001−2005) architecture (90 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T5200 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 FX-57 scores 720 against the Core 2 Duo T5200's 705 — a 2.1% lead for the Athlon 64 FX-57. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

    FeatureAthlon 64 FX-57Core 2 Duo T5200
    Cores / Threads
    1 / 1
    2 / 2+100%
    Boost Clock
    2.8 GHz+69%
    1.66 GHz
    Base Clock
    1.6 GHz
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    1 MB
    2 MB+100%
    Process
    90 nm
    65 nm-28%
    Architecture
    San Diego (2001−2005)
    Merom (2006−2008)
    PassMark
    720+2%
    705
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Athlon 64 FX-57 uses the 939 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Duo T5200 uses BGA479 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureAthlon 64 FX-57Core 2 Duo T5200
    Socket
    939
    BGA479
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 1.1
    PCIe 1.1
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR-400
    Max RAM Capacity
    4 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    0