Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 vs Pentium Dual-Core E2140

AMD

Athlon 64 X2 TK-42

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium Dual-Core E2140

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2007
Similar parts
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Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 vs Pentium Dual-Core E2140 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 TK-42 vs Pentium Dual-Core E2140 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 TK-42 vs Pentium Dual-Core E2140: 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 TK-42

2009

Why buy it

  • Costs $14 less on MSRP ($60 MSRP vs $74 MSRP).
  • Delivers 17.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 12.9 vs 11.0 PassMark/$ ($60 MSRP vs $74 MSRP).
  • Draws 1W instead of 65W, a 64W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Pentium Dual-Core E2140 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (775 vs 815).

Pentium Dual-Core E2140

2007

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +5.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.0 vs 12.9 PassMark/$ ($74 MSRP vs $60 MSRP).
  • 6400% higher power demand at 65W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium Dual-Core E2140 better than Athlon 64 X2 TK-42?
Yes. Pentium Dual-Core E2140 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 5.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Pentium Dual-Core E2140 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium Dual-Core E2140 is the stronger fit. You are getting 5.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Pentium Dual-Core E2140 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Pentium Dual-Core E2140 comes in 23.3% more expensive on MSRP at $74 MSRP versus $60 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 17.3% better value on paper (12.9 vs 11.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on S1.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 vs Pentium Dual-Core E2140 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

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.

Intel

Pentium Dual-Core E2140

The Pentium Dual-Core E2140 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 815 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 and Pentium Dual-Core E2140 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 versus 1.6 GHz on the Pentium Dual-Core E2140 — identical boost frequencies. The Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 uses the Tyler (2007−2009) architecture (65 nm), while the Pentium Dual-Core E2140 uses NetBurst (2000−2006) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 scores 775 against the Pentium Dual-Core E2140's 815 — a 5% lead for the Pentium Dual-Core E2140.

FeatureAthlon 64 X2 TK-42Pentium Dual-Core E2140
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
1.6 GHz
1.6 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
L2 Cache
1 MB
1 MB (total)
Process
65 nm
65 nm
Architecture
Tyler (2007−2009)
NetBurst (2000−2006)
PassMark
775
815+5%
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 uses the S1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium Dual-Core E2140 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAthlon 64 X2 TK-42Pentium Dual-Core E2140
Socket
S1
LGA775
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0+82%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
DDR2-667
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
0
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 was priced at $60, while the Pentium Dual-Core E2140 came in at $74. On launch pricing ($60 vs $74), Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 was $14 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 delivers 12.9 pts/$ vs 11.0 pts/$ for the Pentium Dual-Core E2140 — making the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 the 15.9% better value option.

FeatureAthlon 64 X2 TK-42Pentium Dual-Core E2140
MSRP
$60-19%
$74
Performance per Dollar
12.9+17%
11.0
Release Date
2009
2007

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