Athlon II X2 245 vs Core 2 Duo E6320

AMD

Athlon II X2 245

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core 2 Duo E6320

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 1.86 GHz2007
Similar parts
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Athlon II X2 245 vs Core 2 Duo E6320 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 Core 2 Duo E6320 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 Core 2 Duo E6320: 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 $97 less on MSRP ($66 MSRP vs $163 MSRP).
  • Delivers 151.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.2 vs 6.8 PassMark/$ ($66 MSRP vs $163 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core 2 Duo E6320

2007

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,115 vs 1,134).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.8 vs 17.2 PassMark/$ ($163 MSRP vs $66 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X2 245 better than Core 2 Duo E6320?
Yes. Athlon II X2 245 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.7% 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 245 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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 245 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon II X2 245 is the better buy right now. Athlon II X2 245 comes in $97 cheaper on MSRP at $66 MSRP versus $163 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 151.2% better value on MSRP (17.2 vs 6.8 PassMark/$), 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 245 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2007) 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 Core 2 Duo E6320 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.

Intel

Core 2 Duo E6320

The Core 2 Duo E6320 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.86 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,115 points. Launch price was $249.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon II X2 245 and Core 2 Duo E6320 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Athlon II X2 245 versus 1.86 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E6320 — a 43.7% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 245 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Athlon II X2 245 uses the Regor (2009−2013) architecture (45 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E6320 uses Conroe (2006−2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X2 245 scores 1,134 against the Core 2 Duo E6320's 1,115 — a 1.7% lead for the Athlon II X2 245. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureAthlon II X2 245Core 2 Duo E6320
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.9 GHz+56%
1.86 GHz
Base Clock
2.9 GHz+56%
1.86 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
2 MB
4 MB+100%
Process
45 nm-31%
65 nm
Architecture
Regor (2009−2013)
Conroe (2006−2007)
PassMark
1,134+2%
1,115
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X2 245 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo E6320 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Athlon II X2 245 versus 1066 on the Core 2 Duo E6320 — the Athlon II X2 245 supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon II X2 245) vs 16 (Core 2 Duo E6320) — the Core 2 Duo E6320 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AM2+,AM3 (Athlon II X2 245) and P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E6320).

FeatureAthlon II X2 245Core 2 Duo E6320
Socket
AM3
LGA775
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0+82%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
1333+25%
1066
Max RAM Capacity
16
16
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 245 rivals Pentium E5500; Core 2 Duo E6320 rivals Athlon 64 X2 4200+.

FeatureAthlon II X2 245Core 2 Duo E6320
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
true
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X2 245 was priced at $66, while the Core 2 Duo E6320 came in at $163. On launch pricing ($66 vs $163), Athlon II X2 245 was $97 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X2 245 delivers 17.2 pts/$ vs 6.8 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo E6320 — making the Athlon II X2 245 the 86.1% better value option.

FeatureAthlon II X2 245Core 2 Duo E6320
MSRP
$66-60%
$163
Performance per Dollar
17.2+153%
6.8
Release Date
2009
2007

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