Athlon II X2 215 vs Athlon II X2 240e

AMD

Athlon II X2 215

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Athlon II X2 240e

2 Cores2 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2009
Similar parts
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Athlon II X2 215 vs Athlon II X2 240e 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 II X2 215 vs Athlon II X2 240e 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 X2 215 vs Athlon II X2 240e: 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 X2 215

2009

Why buy it

  • +0.4% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $32 less on MSRP ($45 MSRP vs $77 MSRP).
  • Delivers 71.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.5 vs 13.1 PassMark/$ ($45 MSRP vs $77 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • 44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Athlon II X2 240e

2009

Why buy it

  • Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,007 vs 1,011).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.1 vs 22.5 PassMark/$ ($77 MSRP vs $45 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X2 215 better than Athlon II X2 240e?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Athlon II X2 240e is ahead with 3.7% higher max boost clock. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X2 215 pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X2 215 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon II X2 215 is the better buy right now. Athlon II X2 215 comes in $32 cheaper on MSRP at $45 MSRP versus $77 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that Athlon II X2 240e is still the better pure gaming CPU with 3.7% higher max boost clock. It is also 71.8% better value on MSRP (22.5 vs 13.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Athlon II X2 215 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Athlon II X2 215 vs Athlon II X2 240e Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon II X2 215

The Athlon II X2 215 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: 512 kB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,011 points. Launch price was $45.

AMD

Athlon II X2 240e

The Athlon II X2 240e 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 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: 1,007 points. Launch price was $35.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon II X2 215 and Athlon II X2 240e share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Athlon II X2 215 versus 2.8 GHz on the Athlon II X2 240e — a 3.6% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 240e (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). Both are built on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Athlon II X2 215 scores 1,011 against the Athlon II X2 240e's 1,007 — a 0.4% lead for the Athlon II X2 215. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureAthlon II X2 215Athlon II X2 240e
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.7 GHz
2.8 GHz+4%
Base Clock
2.7 GHz
2.8 GHz+4%
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
512 kB
1 MB+100%
Process
45 nm
45 nm
Architecture
Regor (2009−2013)
Regor (2009−2013)
PassMark
1,011
1,007
Geekbench 6 Single
274
Geekbench 6 Multi
674
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the AM3 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to 1333 memory speed. Both support up to 16 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AM2+,AM3 (Athlon II X2 215) and AM2+,AM3 (Athlon II X2 240e).

FeatureAthlon II X2 215Athlon II X2 240e
Socket
AM3
AM3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
1333
1333
Max RAM Capacity
16
16
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
0
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Primary use case: Athlon II X2 215 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 215 rivals Pentium E5400; Athlon II X2 240e rivals Pentium E5400.

FeatureAthlon II X2 215Athlon II X2 240e
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
true
Target Use
Budget
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X2 215 was priced at $45, while the Athlon II X2 240e came in at $77. On launch pricing ($45 vs $77), Athlon II X2 215 was $32 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X2 215 delivers 22.5 pts/$ vs 13.1 pts/$ for the Athlon II X2 240e — making the Athlon II X2 215 the 52.8% better value option.

FeatureAthlon II X2 215Athlon II X2 240e
MSRP
$45-42%
$77
Performance per Dollar
22.5+72%
13.1
Release Date
2009
2009

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