Athlon II X2 245 vs Core 2 Extreme X6800

AMD

Athlon II X2 245

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core 2 Extreme X6800

2 Cores2 Thrd75 WWMax: 0.93 GHz2006
Similar parts
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Athlon II X2 245 vs Core 2 Extreme X6800 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 Extreme X6800 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 Extreme X6800: 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

  • Draws 65W instead of 75W, a 10W reduction.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core 2 Extreme X6800.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $66 MSRP, while Core 2 Extreme X6800 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core 2 Extreme X6800

2006

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,118 vs 1,134).
    • 15.4% higher power demand at 75W vs 65W.
    • No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon II X2 245.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Athlon II X2 245 better than Core 2 Extreme X6800?
    Yes. Athlon II X2 245 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.4% 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 0.2% 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 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Athlon II X2 245 is the better buy right now. Athlon II X2 245 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $66 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (17.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Athlon II X2 245 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2006) 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 Extreme X6800 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 Extreme X6800

    The Core 2 Extreme X6800 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 July 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Conroe XE (2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.933 GHz, with boost up to 0.93 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 75 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,118 points. Launch price was $999.

    Processing Power

    Both the Athlon II X2 245 and Core 2 Extreme X6800 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Athlon II X2 245 versus 0.93 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme X6800 — a 102.9% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 245 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.933 GHz). The Athlon II X2 245 uses the Regor (2009−2013) architecture (45 nm), while the Core 2 Extreme X6800 uses Conroe XE (2006) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X2 245 scores 1,134 against the Core 2 Extreme X6800's 1,118 — a 1.4% lead for the Athlon II X2 245. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

    FeatureAthlon II X2 245Core 2 Extreme X6800
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    2 / 2
    Boost Clock
    2.9 GHz+212%
    0.93 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.9 GHz
    2.933 GHz+1%
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    2 MB
    4 MB (total)+100%
    Process
    45 nm-31%
    65 nm
    Architecture
    Regor (2009−2013)
    Conroe XE (2006)
    PassMark
    1,134+1%
    1,118
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Athlon II X2 245 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Extreme X6800 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureAthlon II X2 245Core 2 Extreme X6800
    Socket
    AM3
    LGA775
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0+82%
    PCIe 1.1
    Max RAM Speed
    1333
    Max RAM Capacity
    16
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    0
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: true (Athlon II X2 245) / not specified (Core 2 Extreme X6800). Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 245 rivals Pentium E5500.

    FeatureAthlon II X2 245Core 2 Extreme X6800
    Integrated GPU
    No
    IGPU Model
    None
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    true