Athlon II N370 vs Athlon II X2 235e

CPU

GPU

Athlon II N370

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2010

Similar parts

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Athlon II X2 235e

2 Cores2 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2009

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Athlon II N370 vs Athlon II X2 235e Performance Spectrum

Athlon II N370

2 / 2

1,085

+0.6%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Athlon II X2 235e

2 / 2

1,079

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 II N370 vs Athlon II X2 235e 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 II N370 vs Athlon II X2 235e: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Athlon II N370

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $9 less on MSRP ($60 MSRP vs $69 MSRP).
✅Delivers 15.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.1 vs 15.6 PassMark/$ ($60 MSRP vs $69 MSRP).
✅Draws 1W instead of 45W, a 44W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (220 vs 240).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (420 vs 450).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon II X2 235e.

Athlon II X2 235e

2009

Why buy it

✅+9.1% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Athlon II N370.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.6 vs 18.1 PassMark/$ ($69 MSRP vs $60 MSRP).
❌4400% higher power demand at 45W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X2 235e better than Athlon II N370?

Yes. Athlon II X2 235e is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 7.1% better Geekbench multi-core, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Athlon II X2 235e has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 9.1% stronger Geekbench single-core performance.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X2 235e is the stronger fit. You are getting 7.1% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Athlon II X2 235e is still the much better call for a fresh build. Athlon II X2 235e comes in 15.0% more expensive on MSRP at $69 MSRP versus $60 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% higher PassMark. Athlon II N370 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 15.6% better value on paper (18.1 vs 15.6 PassMark/$), 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 II N370 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II N370 vs Athlon II X2 235e Technical Specifications

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

Athlon II N370

The Athlon II N370 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.5 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,085 points. Launch price was $149.

Athlon II X2 235e

The Athlon II X2 235e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,079 points. Launch price was $84.

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Processing Power

Both the Athlon II N370 and Athlon II X2 235e share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Athlon II N370 versus 2.7 GHz on the Athlon II X2 235e — a 7.7% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 235e. The Athlon II N370 uses the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Athlon II X2 235e uses Regor (2009−2013) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II N370 scores 1,085 against the Athlon II X2 235e's 1,079 — a 0.6% lead for the Athlon II N370. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 220 vs 240, a 8.7% lead for the Athlon II X2 235e that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 420 vs 450 (6.9% advantage for the Athlon II X2 235e).

Feature	Athlon II N370	Athlon II X2 235e
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz	2.7 GHz+8%
Base Clock	—	2.7 GHz
L3 Cache	—	0 kB
L2 Cache	1 MB	1 MB
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Champlain (2010−2011)	Regor (2009−2013)
PassMark	1,085	1,079
Geekbench 6 Single	220	240+9%
Geekbench 6 Multi	420	450+7%

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Memory & Platform

The Athlon II N370 uses the S1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon II X2 235e uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Athlon II N370 versus DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X2 235e — the Athlon II X2 235e supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X2 235e supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: RS880M,SB850 (Athlon II N370) and 760G,780G,785G,790GX (Athlon II X2 235e).

Feature	Athlon II N370	Athlon II X2 235e
Socket	S1	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR3-1333+25%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	0	0

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AMD-V virtualization. Primary use case: Athlon II N370 targets Legacy Laptop, Athlon II X2 235e targets Energy Efficient Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Athlon II N370 rivals Pentium P6100; Athlon II X2 235e rivals Pentium E5300.

Feature	Athlon II N370	Athlon II X2 235e
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	AMD-V
Target Use	Legacy Laptop	Energy Efficient Legacy Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II N370 was priced at $60, while the Athlon II X2 235e came in at $69. On launch pricing ($60 vs $69), Athlon II N370 was $9 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II N370 delivers 18.1 pts/$ vs 15.6 pts/$ for the Athlon II X2 235e — making the Athlon II N370 the 14.5% better value option.

Feature	Athlon II N370	Athlon II X2 235e
MSRP	$60-13%	$69
Performance per Dollar	18.1+16%	15.6
Release Date	2010	2009

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