Athlon II X2 260 vs Celeron Dual-Core SU2300
Athlon II X2 260
Celeron Dual-Core SU2300
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 260 is positioned at rank 780 and the Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 is on rank 1098, so the Athlon II X2 260 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 260
Performance Per Dollar Celeron Dual-Core SU2300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon II X2 260 | Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($12) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Regor (2009−2013) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon II X2 260 | Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+316%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($12) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
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 260 and Celeron Dual-Core SU2300
Athlon II X2 260
The Athlon II X2 260 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,248 points. Launch price was $48.
Celeron Dual-Core SU2300
The Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.2 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,250 points. Launch price was $134.
Processing Power
Both the Athlon II X2 260 and Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Athlon II X2 260 versus 1.2 GHz on the Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 — a 90.9% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 260. The Athlon II X2 260 uses the Regor (2009−2013) architecture (45 nm), while the Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X2 260 scores 1,248 against the Celeron Dual-Core SU2300's 1,250 — a 0.2% lead for the Celeron Dual-Core SU2300.
| Feature | Athlon II X2 260 | Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz+167% | 1.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | — |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB | 1 MB |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Regor (2009−2013) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,248 | 1,250 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 150 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 280 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon II X2 260 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 uses BGA956 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Athlon II X2 260 versus DDR3-800 on the Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 — the Athlon II X2 260 supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X2 260 supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 4 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon II X2 260) vs 6 (Celeron Dual-Core SU2300) — the Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 offers 6 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AM2+,AM3 (Athlon II X2 260) and GS45 (Celeron Dual-Core SU2300).
| Feature | Athlon II X2 260 | Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3 | BGA956 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 4 GB+26214300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 6 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Athlon II X2 260) vs VT-x (Celeron Dual-Core SU2300). Primary use case: Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 targets Legacy Mobile. Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 260 rivals Pentium E6700; Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 rivals Pentium SU4100.
| Feature | Athlon II X2 260 | Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Legacy Mobile |
Value Analysis
The Athlon II X2 260 launched at $60 MSRP, while the Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 debuted at $134. At current prices ($12 vs $50), the Athlon II X2 260 is $38 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X2 260 delivers 104.0 pts/$ vs 25.0 pts/$ for the Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 — making the Athlon II X2 260 the 122.5% better value option.
| Feature | Athlon II X2 260 | Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $60-55% | $134 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $12-76% | $50 |
| Performance per Dollar | 104.0+316% | 25.0 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2009 |
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