Athlon 64 X2 5600+ vs Athlon 64 FX-74
Athlon 64 X2 5600+
Athlon 64 FX-74
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Athlon 64 X2 5600+ is positioned at rank 1088 and the Athlon 64 FX-74 is on rank 1087, so the Athlon 64 FX-74 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 X2 5600+
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 FX-74
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ | Athlon 64 FX-74 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Windsor (2006−2007) / 90 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Windsor (2006−2007) / 90 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ | Athlon 64 FX-74 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+235%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Athlon 64 X2 5600+ and Athlon 64 FX-74
Athlon 64 X2 5600+
The Athlon 64 X2 5600+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: AM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,665 points. Launch price was $149.
Athlon 64 FX-74
The Athlon 64 FX-74 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Novembro 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: F. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR1. Passmark benchmark score: 1,658 points. Launch price was $500.
Processing Power
Both the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ and Athlon 64 FX-74 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ versus 3 GHz on the Athlon 64 FX-74 — a 3.4% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 FX-74. Both are built on the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture using a 90 nm process. In PassMark, the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ scores 1,665 against the Athlon 64 FX-74's 1,658 — a 0.4% lead for the Athlon 64 X2 5600+. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ | Athlon 64 FX-74 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.9 GHz | 3 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512K | 1 MB+100% |
| Process | 90 nm | 90 nm |
| Architecture | Windsor (2006−2007) | Windsor (2006−2007) |
| PassMark | 1,665 | 1,658 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 400 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 750 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 64 X2 5600+ uses the AM2 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Athlon 64 FX-74 uses F (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR2-800 memory speed. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon 64 X2 5600+) vs 16 (Athlon 64 FX-74) — the Athlon 64 FX-74 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 5600+) and nForce 680a (Athlon 64 FX-74).
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ | Athlon 64 FX-74 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM2 | F |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | DDR2 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Athlon 64 X2 5600+) / AMD-V (Athlon 64 FX-74). Primary use case: Athlon 64 FX-74 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Athlon 64 FX-74 rivals Pentium Extreme Edition 965.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ | Athlon 64 FX-74 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Athlon 64 X2 5600+ launched at $505 MSRP, while the Athlon 64 FX-74 debuted at $499. At current prices ($15 vs $50), the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ is $35 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ delivers 111.0 pts/$ vs 33.2 pts/$ for the Athlon 64 FX-74 — making the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ the 108% better value option.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ | Athlon 64 FX-74 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $505 | $499-1% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-70% | $50 |
| Performance per Dollar | 111.0+234% | 33.2 |
| Release Date | 2006 | 2006 |
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