Athlon 64 X2 6000+ vs Atom C3508

AMD

Athlon 64 X2 6000+

2 Cores2 Thrd125 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2007
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Atom C3508

4 Cores4 Thrd11.25 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2017
Similar parts
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Athlon 64 X2 6000+ vs Atom C3508 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 X2 6000+ vs Atom C3508 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 X2 6000+ vs Atom C3508: 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 X2 6000+

2007

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,825 vs 1,831).
    • Launch MSRP is still $450 MSRP, while Atom C3508 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • 1011.1% higher power demand at 125W vs 11.25W.

    Atom C3508

    2017

    Why buy it

    • +0.3% higher PassMark.
    • Draws 11W instead of 125W, a 114W reduction.
    • 100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

    Trade-offs

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

    Quick Answers

    So, is Atom C3508 better than Athlon 64 X2 6000+?
    It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Athlon 64 X2 6000+ is ahead with a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Atom C3508 pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Atom C3508 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Atom C3508 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Atom C3508 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $450 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. Athlon 64 X2 6000+ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2007 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (4.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM2.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Atom C3508 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2007) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 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 X2 6000+ vs Atom C3508 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Athlon 64 X2 6000+

    The Athlon 64 X2 6000+ 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: 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: AM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,825 points. Launch price was $149.

    Intel

    Atom C3508

    The Atom C3508 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1310. Thermal design power (TDP): 11.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR4: 1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,831 points. Launch price was $69.

    Processing Power

    The Athlon 64 X2 6000+ packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Atom C3508 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Atom C3508 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ versus 1.6 GHz on the Atom C3508 — a 63.8% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 X2 6000+. The Athlon 64 X2 6000+ uses the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture (90 nm), while the Atom C3508 uses Goldmont (2016−2017) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ scores 1,825 against the Atom C3508's 1,831 — a 0.3% lead for the Atom C3508. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ vs 8 MB on the Atom C3508.

    FeatureAthlon 64 X2 6000+Atom C3508
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    4 / 4+100%
    Boost Clock
    3.1 GHz+94%
    1.6 GHz
    Base Clock
    1.6 GHz
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    8 MB
    L2 Cache
    512K+6300%
    8 MB
    Process
    90 nm
    14 nm-84%
    Architecture
    Windsor (2006−2007)
    Goldmont (2016−2017)
    PassMark
    1,825
    1,831
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Athlon 64 X2 6000+ uses the AM2 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Atom C3508 uses FCBGA1310 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ versus DDR4-1866 on the Atom C3508 — the Atom C3508 supports 133.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Atom C3508 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon 64 X2 6000+) vs 12 (Atom C3508) — the Atom C3508 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 6000+) and Intel FCBGA1310 (Atom C3508).

    FeatureAthlon 64 X2 6000+Atom C3508
    Socket
    AM2
    FCBGA1310
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 1.1
    PCIe 3.0+173%
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR2-800
    DDR4-1866+133%
    Max RAM Capacity
    16 GB
    256 GB+1500%
    RAM Channels
    2
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    Yes
    PCIe Lanes
    0
    12