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Athlon 64 FX-60 vs Athlon II X2 255

CPUCPUGPUGPU
AMD

Athlon 64 FX-60

2 Cores2 Thrd110 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2006
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Athlon II X2 255

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Buy on Amazon

Athlon 64 FX-60 vs Athlon II X2 255 Performance Spectrum

Athlon 64 FX-60
2 / 2
1,205
0.0%
brand logoAthlon 64 3800+
brand logoAthlon 64 X2 TK-42
brand logoAthlon II X2 250u
brand logoAthlon II X2 240
brand logoRyzen 5 PRO 5650G
brand logoRyzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX
brand logoRyzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX
brand logoRyzen Threadripper 3990X
Athlon II X2 255
2 / 2
1,210
+0.4%
brand logoAthlon 64 4000+
brand logoAthlon 64 X2 TK-42
brand logoAthlon II X2 250u
brand logoAthlon II X2 240
brand logoRyzen 7 7735U
brand logoRyzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX
brand logoRyzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX
brand logoRyzen 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 255 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.

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

1080P
Athlon 64 FX-60
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
1080P
Athlon II X2 255
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080P
Athlon 64 FX-60
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
1080P
Athlon II X2 255
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080P
Athlon 64 FX-60
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
1080P
Athlon II X2 255
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
Valorant

Valorant

1080P
Athlon 64 FX-60
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
1080P
Athlon II X2 255
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
Among Us

Among Us

1080P
Athlon 64 FX-60
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
1080P
Athlon II X2 255
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
Apex Legends

Apex Legends

1080P
Athlon 64 FX-60
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
1080P
Athlon II X2 255
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
ARC Raiders

ARC Raiders

1080P
Athlon 64 FX-60
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
1080P
Athlon II X2 255
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3

1080P
Athlon 64 FX-60
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
1080P
Athlon II X2 255
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

1080P
Athlon 64 FX-60
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
1080P
Athlon II X2 255
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
Call of Duty: Warzone

Call of Duty: Warzone

1080P
Athlon 64 FX-60
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
1080P
Athlon II X2 255
low30 FPS
medium30 FPS
high30 FPS
ultra30 FPS
Check FPS with Custom Builds

Athlon 64 FX-60 vs Athlon II X2 255: 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

    Trade-offs

    • ❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (250 vs 265).
    • ❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (480 vs 500).
    • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 1.2 vs 20.2 PassMark/$ ($1,031 MSRP vs $60 MSRP).
    • ❌69.2% higher power demand at 110W vs 65W.

    Athlon II X2 255

    2010

    Why buy it

    • ✅+6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
    • ✅Costs $971 less on MSRP ($60 MSRP vs $1,031 MSRP).
    • ✅Delivers 1625.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.2 vs 1.2 PassMark/$ ($60 MSRP vs $1,031 MSRP).
    • ✅Draws 65W instead of 110W, a 45W reduction.

    Trade-offs

    • ❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Athlon II X2 255 better than Athlon 64 FX-60?
    Yes. Athlon II X2 255 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, 4.2% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.4% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Athlon II X2 255 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 II X2 255 is the stronger fit. You are getting 4.2% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Athlon II X2 255 is the better buy right now. Athlon II X2 255 comes in $971 cheaper on MSRP at $60 MSRP versus $1,031 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 1625.5% better value on MSRP (20.2 vs 1.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Athlon II X2 255 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2006) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Athlon 64 FX-60 vs Athlon II X2 255 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    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.

    AMD

    Athlon II X2 255

    The Athlon II X2 255 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,210 points. Launch price was $60.

    ⚡

    Processing Power

    Both the Athlon 64 FX-60 and Athlon II X2 255 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Athlon 64 FX-60 versus 3.1 GHz on the Athlon II X2 255 — a 17.5% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 255. The Athlon 64 FX-60 uses the Toledo (2006) architecture (90 nm), while the Athlon II X2 255 uses Regor (2009−2013) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 FX-60 scores 1,205 against the Athlon II X2 255's 1,210 — a 0.4% lead for the Athlon II X2 255. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 250 vs 265, a 5.8% lead for the Athlon II X2 255 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 480 vs 500 (4.1% advantage for the Athlon II X2 255). Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

    FeatureAthlon 64 FX-60Athlon II X2 255
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    2 / 2
    Boost Clock
    2.6 GHz
    3.1 GHz+19%
    Base Clock
    —
    3.1 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
    1,210
    Geekbench 6 Single
    250
    265+6%
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    480
    500+4%
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Athlon 64 FX-60 uses the 939 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Athlon II X2 255 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 255 — the Athlon II X2 255 supports -433.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X2 255 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,870,880G,890GX,890FX (Athlon II X2 255).

    FeatureAthlon 64 FX-60Athlon II X2 255
    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 255). Primary use case: Athlon 64 FX-60 targets Gaming/Enthusiast, Athlon II X2 255 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 255 rivals Pentium E5700.

    FeatureAthlon 64 FX-60Athlon II X2 255
    Integrated GPU
    No
    No
    Unlocked
    Yes
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    No
    Virtualization
    None
    AMD-V
    Target Use
    Gaming/Enthusiast
    Legacy Desktop
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Athlon 64 FX-60 was priced at $1031, while the Athlon II X2 255 came in at $60. On launch pricing ($1031 vs $60), Athlon II X2 255 was $971 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 FX-60 delivers 1.2 pts/$ vs 20.2 pts/$ for the Athlon II X2 255 — making the Athlon II X2 255 the 178.1% better value option.

    FeatureAthlon 64 FX-60Athlon II X2 255
    MSRP
    $1031
    $60-94%
    Performance per Dollar
    1.2
    20.2+1583%
    Release Date
    2006
    2010
    Search Athlon 64 FX-60 on AmazonSearch Athlon II X2 255 on Amazon

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