Athlon 64 X2 5600+ vs Core i7-720QM
Athlon 64 X2 5600+
Core i7-720QM
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 Core i7-720QM is on rank 1218, so the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ 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 Core i7-720QM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($364) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Windsor (2006−2007) / 90 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2337%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($364) |
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 Core i7-720QM
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.
Core i7-720QM
The Core i7-720QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,658 points. Launch price was $546.
Processing Power
The Athlon 64 X2 5600+ packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i7-720QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-720QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-720QM — a 3.5% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 X2 5600+. The Athlon 64 X2 5600+ uses the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture (90 nm), while the Core i7-720QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ scores 1,665 against the Core i7-720QM's 1,658 — a 0.4% lead for the Athlon 64 X2 5600+. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-720QM.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.9 GHz+4% | 2.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | — | 1.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K+100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 90 nm | 45 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Windsor (2006−2007) | Clarksfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,665 | 1,658 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 64 X2 5600+ uses the AM2 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-720QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ versus 1333 on the Core i7-720QM — the Core i7-720QM supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon 64 X2 5600+ supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon 64 X2 5600+) vs 16 (Core i7-720QM) — the Core i7-720QM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 5600+) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-720QM).
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM2 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | 1333+66550% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+209715100% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Athlon 64 X2 5600+) / true (Core i7-720QM). Direct competitor: Core i7-720QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
Value Analysis
The Athlon 64 X2 5600+ launched at $505 MSRP, while the Core i7-720QM debuted at $364.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $505 | $364-28% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15 | — |
| Release Date | 2006 | 2009 |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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