Athlon 64 FX-57 vs Pentium D 915

AMD

Athlon 64 FX-57

1 Cores1 Thrd104 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2005
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium D 915

2 Cores2 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2006
Similar parts
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Athlon 64 FX-57 vs Pentium D 915 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 Pentium D 915 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 Pentium D 915: 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

  • +2.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 0.7 vs 9.5 PassMark/$ ($1,031 MSRP vs $74 MSRP).

Pentium D 915

2006

Why buy it

  • Costs $957 less on MSRP ($74 MSRP vs $1,031 MSRP).
  • Delivers 1264.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 9.5 vs 0.7 PassMark/$ ($74 MSRP vs $1,031 MSRP).
  • Draws 95W instead of 104W, a 9W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (705 vs 720).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon 64 FX-57 better than Pentium D 915?
Yes. Athlon 64 FX-57 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 2.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.
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 still the much better call for a fresh build. Athlon 64 FX-57 comes in 1293.2% more expensive on MSRP at $1,031 MSRP versus $74 MSRP, and it still gives you 2.1% higher PassMark. Pentium D 915 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2006 platform. Even with 1264.2% better value on paper (9.5 vs 0.7 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA775.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Pentium D 915 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 Pentium D 915 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

Pentium D 915

The Pentium D 915 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 July 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 705 points. Launch price was $74.

Processing Power

The Athlon 64 FX-57 packs 1 cores / 1 threads, while the Pentium D 915 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Pentium D 915 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Athlon 64 FX-57 versus 2.8 GHz on the Pentium D 915 — identical boost frequencies. The Athlon 64 FX-57 uses the San Diego (2001−2005) architecture (90 nm), while the Pentium D 915 uses NetBurst (2000−2006) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 FX-57 scores 720 against the Pentium D 915's 705 — a 2.1% lead for the Athlon 64 FX-57. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureAthlon 64 FX-57Pentium D 915
Cores / Threads
1 / 1
2 / 2+100%
Boost Clock
2.8 GHz
2.8 GHz
Base Clock
2.8 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
1 MB
2 MB (total)+100%
Process
90 nm
65 nm-28%
Architecture
San Diego (2001−2005)
NetBurst (2000−2006)
PassMark
720+2%
705
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon 64 FX-57 uses the 939 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium D 915 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAthlon 64 FX-57Pentium D 915
Socket
939
LGA775
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
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon 64 FX-57 was priced at $1031, while the Pentium D 915 came in at $74. On launch pricing ($1031 vs $74), Pentium D 915 was $957 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 FX-57 delivers 0.7 pts/$ vs 9.5 pts/$ for the Pentium D 915 — making the Pentium D 915 the 172.7% better value option.

FeatureAthlon 64 FX-57Pentium D 915
MSRP
$1031
$74-93%
Performance per Dollar
0.7
9.5+1257%
Release Date
2005
2006

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