Athlon II X2 245e vs Core 2 Extreme X7800

AMD

Athlon II X2 245e

2 Cores2 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core 2 Extreme X7800

2 Cores2 Thrd4 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2007
Similar parts
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Athlon II X2 245e vs Core 2 Extreme X7800 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 245e vs Core 2 Extreme X7800 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 245e vs Core 2 Extreme X7800: 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 245e

2010

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +5.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $87 MSRP, while Core 2 Extreme X7800 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 1025% higher power demand at 45W vs 4W.

Core 2 Extreme X7800

2007

Why buy it

  • Draws 4W instead of 45W, a 41W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon II X2 245e across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (1,138 vs 1,141).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X2 245e better than Core 2 Extreme X7800?
Yes. Athlon II X2 245e is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% 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 5.3% 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 0.3% 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 the better buy right now. Athlon II X2 245e comes in at an unclear MSRP at $87 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 245e makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 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 245e vs Core 2 Extreme X7800 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Intel

Core 2 Extreme X7800

The Core 2 Extreme X7800 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 July 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Merom XE (2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 44 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,138 points. Launch price was $851.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon II X2 245e and Core 2 Extreme X7800 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Athlon II X2 245e versus 2.6 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme X7800 — a 10.9% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 245e (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Athlon II X2 245e uses the Regor (2009−2013) architecture (45 nm), while the Core 2 Extreme X7800 uses Merom XE (2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X2 245e scores 1,141 against the Core 2 Extreme X7800's 1,138 — a 0.3% lead for the Athlon II X2 245e. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X2 245e vs 4 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Extreme X7800.

FeatureAthlon II X2 245eCore 2 Extreme X7800
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.9 GHz+12%
2.6 GHz
Base Clock
2.9 GHz+12%
2.6 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
4 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache
1 MB
4 MB+300%
Process
45 nm-31%
65 nm
Architecture
Regor (2009−2013)
Merom XE (2007)
PassMark
1,141
1,138
Geekbench 6 Single
319
Geekbench 6 Multi
741
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X2 245e uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Extreme X7800 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X2 245e versus DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Extreme X7800 — the Athlon II X2 245e supports 99.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X2 245e supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: 760G,770,780G,785G,790FX,790GX (Athlon II X2 245e) and Socket P (Core 2 Extreme X7800).

FeatureAthlon II X2 245eCore 2 Extreme X7800
Socket
AM3
PGA478
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0+82%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333+100%
DDR2-667
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB+300%
4 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Only the Core 2 Extreme X7800 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Athlon II X2 245e) vs VT-x (Core 2 Extreme X7800). Primary use case: Athlon II X2 245e targets Budget. Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 245e rivals Athlon II X2 270u.

FeatureAthlon II X2 245eCore 2 Extreme X7800
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x
Target Use
Budget