Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 vs Athlon 64 FX-57
Athlon 64 X2 TK-42
Athlon 64 FX-57
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 TK-42 is positioned at rank 1019 and the Athlon 64 FX-57 is on rank 1137, so the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 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 TK-42
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 FX-57
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 | Athlon 64 FX-57 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Tyler (2007−2009) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (San Diego (2001−2005) / 90 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 | Athlon 64 FX-57 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2053%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
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 TK-42 and Athlon 64 FX-57
Athlon 64 X2 TK-42
The Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Tyler (2007−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 775 points. Launch price was $149.
Athlon 64 FX-57
The Athlon 64 FX-57 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the San Diego (2001−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 104 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 720 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Athlon 64 FX-57 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 versus 2.8 GHz on the Athlon 64 FX-57 — a 54.5% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 FX-57. The Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 uses the Tyler (2007−2009) architecture (65 nm), while the Athlon 64 FX-57 uses San Diego (2001−2005) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 scores 775 against the Athlon 64 FX-57's 720 — a 7.4% lead for the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 | Athlon 64 FX-57 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2+100% | 1 / 1 |
| Boost Clock | 1.6 GHz | 2.8 GHz+75% |
| L3 Cache | — | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB | 1 MB |
| Process | 65 nm-28% | 90 nm |
| Architecture | Tyler (2007−2009) | San Diego (2001−2005) |
| PassMark | 775+8% | 720 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 uses the S1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon 64 FX-57 uses 939 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 versus DDR-400 on the Athlon 64 FX-57 — the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 supports -202% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AMD S1 (Athlon 64 X2 TK-42) and AMD 939 (Athlon 64 FX-57).
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 | Athlon 64 FX-57 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | S1 | 939 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-667 | DDR-400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+100% | 4 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 0 |
Value Analysis
The Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 launched at $60 MSRP, while the Athlon 64 FX-57 debuted at $1031. At current prices ($10 vs $200), the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 is $190 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 delivers 77.5 pts/$ vs 3.6 pts/$ for the Athlon 64 FX-57 — making the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 the 182.2% better value option.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 | Athlon 64 FX-57 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $60-94% | $1031 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10-95% | $200 |
| Performance per Dollar | 77.5+2053% | 3.6 |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2005 |
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