Athlon 64 FX-60 vs Athlon II X2 250e

CPU

GPU

Athlon 64 FX-60

2 Cores2 Thrd110 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2006

Similar parts

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Athlon II X2 250e

2 Cores2 Thrd45 WWMax: 3 GHz2010

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Athlon 64 FX-60 vs Athlon II X2 250e Performance Spectrum

Athlon 64 FX-60

2 / 2

1,205

+0.2%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Athlon II X2 250e

2 / 2

1,202

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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-60 vs Athlon II X2 250e 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-60 vs Athlon II X2 250e: 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-60

2006

Why buy it

✅+2.1% higher Geekbench multi-core.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 1.2 vs 15.6 PassMark/$ ($1,031 MSRP vs $77 MSRP).
❌144.4% higher power demand at 110W vs 45W.

Athlon II X2 250e

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $954 less on MSRP ($77 MSRP vs $1,031 MSRP).
✅Delivers 1235.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 15.6 vs 1.2 PassMark/$ ($77 MSRP vs $1,031 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 110W, a 65W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (470 vs 480).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon 64 FX-60 better than Athlon II X2 250e?

Yes. Athlon 64 FX-60 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, 2.1% better Geekbench multi-core, and 0.2% higher 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-60 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.1% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Athlon 64 FX-60 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Athlon 64 FX-60 comes in 1239.0% more expensive on MSRP at $1,031 MSRP versus $77 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon II X2 250e only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 1235.6% better value on paper (15.6 vs 1.2 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Athlon II X2 250e makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon 64 FX-60 vs Athlon II X2 250e Technical Specifications

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

Athlon 64 FX-60

The Athlon 64 FX-60 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Toledo (2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 110 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,205 points. Launch price was $149.

Athlon II X2 250e

The Athlon II X2 250e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 21 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,202 points. Launch price was $77.

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Processing Power

Both the Athlon 64 FX-60 and Athlon II X2 250e share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Athlon 64 FX-60 versus 3 GHz on the Athlon II X2 250e — a 14.3% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 250e. The Athlon 64 FX-60 uses the Toledo (2006) architecture (90 nm), while the Athlon II X2 250e uses Regor (2009−2013) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 FX-60 scores 1,205 against the Athlon II X2 250e's 1,202 — a 0.2% lead for the Athlon 64 FX-60. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 250 vs 250, a 0% lead for the Athlon II X2 250e that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 480 vs 470 (2.1% advantage for the Athlon 64 FX-60). Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	Athlon 64 FX-60	Athlon II X2 250e
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	3 GHz+15%
Base Clock	—	3 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	2 MB+100%	1 MB
Process	90 nm	45 nm-50%
Architecture	Toledo (2006)	Regor (2009−2013)
PassMark	1,205	1,202
Geekbench 6 Single	250	250
Geekbench 6 Multi	480+2%	470

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Memory & Platform

The Athlon 64 FX-60 uses the 939 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Athlon II X2 250e uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR-400 on the Athlon 64 FX-60 versus DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X2 250e — the Athlon II X2 250e supports -433.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X2 250e supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: nForce4,K8T890 (Athlon 64 FX-60) and 760G,780G,785G,790GX (Athlon II X2 250e).

Feature	Athlon 64 FX-60	Athlon II X2 250e
Socket	939	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR-400	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	4 GB	16 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	0	0

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Athlon 64 FX-60 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: None (Athlon 64 FX-60) vs AMD-V (Athlon II X2 250e). Primary use case: Athlon 64 FX-60 targets Gaming/Enthusiast, Athlon II X2 250e targets Energy Efficient Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 250e rivals Pentium E5700.

Feature	Athlon 64 FX-60	Athlon II X2 250e
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	None	AMD-V
Target Use	Gaming/Enthusiast	Energy Efficient Legacy Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon 64 FX-60 was priced at $1031, while the Athlon II X2 250e came in at $77. On launch pricing ($1031 vs $77), Athlon II X2 250e was $954 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 FX-60 delivers 1.2 pts/$ vs 15.6 pts/$ for the Athlon II X2 250e — making the Athlon II X2 250e the 172.1% better value option.

Feature	Athlon 64 FX-60	Athlon II X2 250e
MSRP	$1031	$77-93%
Performance per Dollar	1.2	15.6+1200%
Release Date	2006	2010

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