CPU
GPU
Athlon II X2 250u
Athlon II X2 260u
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Athlon II X2 250u is positioned at rank 891 and the Athlon II X2 260u is on rank 873, so the Athlon II X2 260u offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon II X2 250u
Performance Per Dollar Athlon II X2 260u
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon II X2 250u | Athlon II X2 260u |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Regor (2009−2013) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Regor (2009−2013) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon II X2 250u | Athlon II X2 260u |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+59%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Athlon II X2 250u and Athlon II X2 260u
Athlon II X2 250u
The Athlon II X2 250u 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. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 935 points. Launch price was $35.
Athlon II X2 260u
The Athlon II X2 260u 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. Max frequency: 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 990 points. Launch price was $83.
Processing Power
Both the Athlon II X2 250u and Athlon II X2 260u share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Athlon II X2 250u versus 1.8 GHz on the Athlon II X2 260u — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 260u. Both are built on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Athlon II X2 250u scores 935 against the Athlon II X2 260u's 990 — a 5.7% lead for the Athlon II X2 260u. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Athlon II X2 250u | Athlon II X2 260u |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 1.6 GHz | 1.8 GHz+12% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB | 1 MB |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Regor (2009−2013) | Regor (2009−2013) |
| PassMark | 935 | 990+6% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 222 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 423 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the AM3 socket with PCIe 2.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Athlon II X2 250u versus 1333 on the Athlon II X2 260u — the Athlon II X2 260u supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X2 260u supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Athlon II X2 250u) vs 0 (Athlon II X2 260u) — the Athlon II X2 250u offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: 760G,785G (Athlon II X2 250u) and AM2+,AM3 (Athlon II X2 260u).
| Feature | Athlon II X2 250u | Athlon II X2 260u |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3 | AM3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | 1333+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+52428700% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Athlon II X2 250u) vs true (Athlon II X2 260u). Primary use case: Athlon II X2 250u targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 250u rivals Core 2 Duo E7500; Athlon II X2 260u rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.
| Feature | Athlon II X2 250u | Athlon II X2 260u |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | true |
| Target Use | Low Power Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Athlon II X2 250u launched at $60 MSRP, while the Athlon II X2 260u debuted at $60. At current prices ($15 vs $10), the Athlon II X2 260u is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X2 250u delivers 62.3 pts/$ vs 99.0 pts/$ for the Athlon II X2 260u — making the Athlon II X2 260u the 45.5% better value option.
| Feature | Athlon II X2 250u | Athlon II X2 260u |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $60 | $60 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15 | $10-33% |
| Performance per Dollar | 62.3 | 99.0+59% |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2009 |
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