Athlon II X2 245 vs Athlon II X2 245e

AMD

Athlon II X2 245

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Athlon II X2 245e

2 Cores2 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Athlon II X2 245 vs Athlon II X2 245e 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 245 vs Athlon II X2 245e 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 245 vs Athlon II X2 245e: 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 245

2009

Why buy it

  • Costs $21 less on MSRP ($66 MSRP vs $87 MSRP).
  • Delivers 31.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.2 vs 13.1 PassMark/$ ($66 MSRP vs $87 MSRP).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Athlon II X2 245e.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon II X2 245e across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (1,134 vs 1,141).
  • 44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Athlon II X2 245e

2010

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +3.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.1 vs 17.2 PassMark/$ ($87 MSRP vs $66 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon II X2 245.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X2 245e better than Athlon II X2 245?
Yes. Athlon II X2 245e is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Athlon II X2 245e is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.5% 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 245e is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon II X2 245e is still the much better call for a fresh build. Athlon II X2 245e comes in 31.8% more expensive on MSRP at $87 MSRP versus $66 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon II X2 245 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 31.0% better value on paper (17.2 vs 13.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Athlon II X2 245e makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009) and 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 245 vs Athlon II X2 245e Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon II X2 245

The Athlon II X2 245 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 July 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,134 points. Launch price was $35.

AMD

Athlon II X2 245e

The Athlon II X2 245e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 11 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 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: 1,141 points. Launch price was $80.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon II X2 245 and Athlon II X2 245e share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Athlon II X2 245 versus 2.9 GHz on the Athlon II X2 245e — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). Both are built on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Athlon II X2 245 scores 1,134 against the Athlon II X2 245e's 1,141 — a 0.6% lead for the Athlon II X2 245e. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureAthlon II X2 245Athlon II X2 245e
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.9 GHz
2.9 GHz
Base Clock
2.9 GHz
2.9 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
2 MB+100%
1 MB
Process
45 nm
45 nm
Architecture
Regor (2009−2013)
Regor (2009−2013)
PassMark
1,134
1,141
Geekbench 6 Single
319
Geekbench 6 Multi
741
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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the AM3 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to 1333 memory speed. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: AM2+,AM3 (Athlon II X2 245) and 760G,770,780G,785G,790FX,790GX (Athlon II X2 245e).

FeatureAthlon II X2 245Athlon II X2 245e
Socket
AM3
AM3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
1333
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Athlon II X2 245) vs AMD-V (Athlon II X2 245e). Primary use case: Athlon II X2 245e targets Budget. Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 245 rivals Pentium E5500; Athlon II X2 245e rivals Athlon II X2 270u.

FeatureAthlon II X2 245Athlon II X2 245e
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
AMD-V
Target Use
Budget
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X2 245 was priced at $66, while the Athlon II X2 245e came in at $87. On launch pricing ($66 vs $87), Athlon II X2 245 was $21 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X2 245 delivers 17.2 pts/$ vs 13.1 pts/$ for the Athlon II X2 245e — making the Athlon II X2 245 the 26.8% better value option.

FeatureAthlon II X2 245Athlon II X2 245e
MSRP
$66-24%
$87
Performance per Dollar
17.2+31%
13.1
Release Date
2009
2010

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