Athlon II X2 260 vs Core 2 Solo SU3300

Athlon II X2 260 vs Core 2 Solo SU3300 Performance Spectrum

Athlon II X2 260

2 / 2

1,248

+0.1%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core 2 Solo SU3300

1 / 1

1,247

0.0%

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 260 vs Core 2 Solo SU3300 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 260 vs Core 2 Solo SU3300: 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 260

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $202 less on MSRP ($60 MSRP vs $262 MSRP).
✅Delivers 337.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.8 vs 4.8 PassMark/$ ($60 MSRP vs $262 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core 2 Solo SU3300.

Trade-offs

❌2066.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 3W.

Core 2 Solo SU3300

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 3W instead of 65W, a 62W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,247 vs 1,248).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.8 vs 20.8 PassMark/$ ($262 MSRP vs $60 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon II X2 260.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X2 260 better than Core 2 Solo SU3300?

Yes. Athlon II X2 260 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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 260 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.3% 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 260 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Athlon II X2 260 is the better buy right now. Athlon II X2 260 comes in $202 cheaper on MSRP at $60 MSRP versus $262 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 337.0% better value on MSRP (20.8 vs 4.8 PassMark/$), 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 260 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 1/1. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Athlon II X2 260 vs Core 2 Solo SU3300 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core 2 Solo SU3300

The Core 2 Solo SU3300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 August 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.2 GHz. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 3 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,247 points. Launch price was $262.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon II X2 260 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core 2 Solo SU3300 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Athlon II X2 260 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Athlon II X2 260 versus 1.2 GHz on the Core 2 Solo SU3300 — 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 Core 2 Solo SU3300 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X2 260 scores 1,248 against the Core 2 Solo SU3300's 1,247 — a 0.1% lead for the Athlon II X2 260.

Feature	Athlon II X2 260	Core 2 Solo SU3300
Cores / Threads	2 / 2+100%	1 / 1
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+167%	1.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	—
L3 Cache	0 kB	—
L2 Cache	1 MB	3 MB+200%
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Regor (2009−2013)	Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark	1,248	1,247

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X2 260 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Solo SU3300 uses BGA956 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Athlon II X2 260 versus DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Solo SU3300 — the Athlon II X2 260 supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X2 260 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Athlon II X2 260) vs 1 (Core 2 Solo SU3300). Both provide 0 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Athlon II X2 260	Core 2 Solo SU3300
Socket	AM3	BGA956
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0+82%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	1333+67%	DDR2-800
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+300%	4 GB
RAM Channels	2+100%	1
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	0

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Athlon II X2 260) vs VT-x (Core 2 Solo SU3300). Primary use case: Core 2 Solo SU3300 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 260 rivals Pentium E6700.

Feature	Athlon II X2 260	Core 2 Solo SU3300
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x
Target Use	—	Mobile

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X2 260 was priced at $60, while the Core 2 Solo SU3300 came in at $262. On launch pricing ($60 vs $262), Athlon II X2 260 was $202 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X2 260 delivers 20.8 pts/$ vs 4.8 pts/$ for the Core 2 Solo SU3300 — making the Athlon II X2 260 the 125.5% better value option.

Feature	Athlon II X2 260	Core 2 Solo SU3300
MSRP	$60-77%	$262
Performance per Dollar	20.8+333%	4.8
Release Date	2010	2008

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