Athlon 64 X2 6000+ vs Core i3-2105

AMD

Athlon 64 X2 6000+

2 Cores2 Thrd125 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2007
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Core i3-2105

2 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2011
Similar parts
·······

Athlon 64 X2 6000+ vs Core i3-2105 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 Core i3-2105 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 Core i3-2105: 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 1,837).
    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.1 vs 13.3 PassMark/$ ($450 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
    • 92.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 65W.
    • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2105 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

    Core i3-2105

    2011

    Why buy it

    • +0.7% higher PassMark.
    • Costs $312 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $450 MSRP).
    • Delivers 228.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.3 vs 4.1 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $450 MSRP).
    • Draws 65W instead of 125W, a 60W reduction.
    • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 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 Core i3-2105 better than Athlon 64 X2 6000+?
    Yes. Core i3-2105 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, 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, Core i3-2105 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Core i3-2105 is the better buy right now. Core i3-2105 comes in $312 cheaper on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $450 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 228.2% better value on MSRP (13.3 vs 4.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Core i3-2105 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2007) and more multi-core headroom with 2 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 Core i3-2105 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

    Core i3-2105

    The Core i3-2105 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,837 points. Launch price was $145.

    Processing Power

    The Athlon 64 X2 6000+ packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2105's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2105 — identical boost frequencies. The Athlon 64 X2 6000+ uses the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture (90 nm), while the Core i3-2105 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ scores 1,825 against the Core i3-2105's 1,837 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-2105. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2105.

    FeatureAthlon 64 X2 6000+Core i3-2105
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    2 / 4
    Boost Clock
    3.1 GHz
    3.1 GHz
    Base Clock
    3.1 GHz
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    3 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    512K+100%
    256 kB (per core)
    Process
    90 nm
    32 nm-64%
    Architecture
    Windsor (2006−2007)
    Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
    PassMark
    1,825
    1,837
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Athlon 64 X2 6000+ uses the AM2 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-2105 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2105 — the Core i3-2105 supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2105 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon 64 X2 6000+) vs 16 (Core i3-2105) — the Core i3-2105 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

    FeatureAthlon 64 X2 6000+Core i3-2105
    Socket
    AM2
    LGA1155
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 1.1
    PCIe 2.0+82%
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR2-800
    DDR3-1333+67%
    Max RAM Capacity
    16 GB
    32 GB+100%
    RAM Channels
    2
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    0
    16
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: not specified (Athlon 64 X2 6000+) / VT-x (Core i3-2105). The Core i3-2105 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2105 targets Desktop.

    FeatureAthlon 64 X2 6000+Core i3-2105
    Integrated GPU
    No
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    HD Graphics 3000
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x
    Target Use
    Desktop
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ was priced at $450, while the Core i3-2105 came in at $138. On launch pricing ($450 vs $138), Core i3-2105 was $312 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ delivers 4.1 pts/$ vs 13.3 pts/$ for the Core i3-2105 — making the Core i3-2105 the 106.6% better value option.

    FeatureAthlon 64 X2 6000+Core i3-2105
    MSRP
    $450
    $138-69%
    Performance per Dollar
    4.1
    13.3+224%
    Release Date
    2007
    2011

    Affiliate Disclosure

    ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

    Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.