Athlon II X2 235e vs Celeron N2815

AMD

Athlon II X2 235e

2 Cores2 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Celeron N2815

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.13 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Athlon II X2 235e vs Celeron N2815 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 235e vs Celeron N2815 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 235e vs Celeron N2815: 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 235e

2009

Why buy it

  • Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Celeron N2815.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $69 MSRP, while Celeron N2815 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 4400% higher power demand at 45W vs 1W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Celeron N2815 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Celeron N2815

2013

Why buy it

  • Draws 1W instead of 45W, a 44W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail), while Athlon II X2 235e needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,068 vs 1,079).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon II X2 235e.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X2 235e better than Celeron N2815?
Yes. Athlon II X2 235e is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1% better PassMark, 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 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% 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, Athlon II X2 235e is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon II X2 235e is the better buy right now. Athlon II X2 235e comes in at an unclear MSRP at $69 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (15.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Celeron N2815 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X2 235e vs Celeron N2815 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

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.

Intel

Celeron N2815

The Celeron N2815 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 December 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Bay Trail-M (2013−2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 7.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,068 points. Launch price was $107.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon II X2 235e and Celeron N2815 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Athlon II X2 235e versus 2.13 GHz on the Celeron N2815 — a 23.6% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 235e (base: 2.7 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Athlon II X2 235e uses the Regor (2009−2013) architecture (45 nm), while the Celeron N2815 uses Bay Trail-M (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X2 235e scores 1,079 against the Celeron N2815's 1,068 — a 1% lead for the Athlon II X2 235e. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X2 235e vs 1 MB on the Celeron N2815.

FeatureAthlon II X2 235eCeleron N2815
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.7 GHz+27%
2.13 GHz
Base Clock
2.7 GHz+45%
1.86 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
1 MB
L2 Cache
1 MB
1 MB
Process
45 nm
22 nm-51%
Architecture
Regor (2009−2013)
Bay Trail-M (2013−2014)
PassMark
1,079+1%
1,068
Geekbench 6 Single
240
Geekbench 6 Multi
450
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X2 235e uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron N2815 uses FCBGA1170 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X2 235e versus 1066 on the Celeron N2815 — 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. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon II X2 235e) vs 4 (Celeron N2815) — the Celeron N2815 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: 760G,780G,785G,790GX (Athlon II X2 235e) and FCBGA1170 (Celeron N2815).

FeatureAthlon II X2 235eCeleron N2815
Socket
AM3
FCBGA1170
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333+25%
1066
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB+100%
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
0
4
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Athlon II X2 235e) vs true (Celeron N2815). The Celeron N2815 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail)), while the Athlon II X2 235e requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Athlon II X2 235e targets Energy Efficient Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 235e rivals Pentium E5300; Celeron N2815 rivals AMD A4-1250.

FeatureAthlon II X2 235eCeleron N2815
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail)
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
true
Target Use
Energy Efficient Legacy Desktop