Athlon II X2 260u vs Celeron P4600

Athlon II X2 260u vs Celeron P4600 Performance Spectrum

Athlon II X2 260u

2 / 2

990

+2.6%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Celeron P4600

2 / 2

965

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 260u vs Celeron P4600 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 260u vs Celeron P4600: 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 260u

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $26 less on MSRP ($60 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).
✅Delivers 47.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.5 vs 11.2 PassMark/$ ($60 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).
✅Draws 25W instead of 35W, a 10W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Celeron P4600.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron P4600 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Celeron P4600

2010

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Westmere), while Athlon II X2 260u needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon II X2 260u across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (965 vs 990).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.2 vs 16.5 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $60 MSRP).
❌40% higher power demand at 35W vs 25W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon II X2 260u.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X2 260u better than Celeron P4600?

Yes. Athlon II X2 260u is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 2.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Athlon II X2 260u is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.0% 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 260u is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Athlon II X2 260u is the better buy right now. Athlon II X2 260u comes in $26 cheaper on MSRP at $60 MSRP versus $86 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 47.0% better value on MSRP (16.5 vs 11.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Celeron P4600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X2 260u vs Celeron P4600 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Celeron P4600

The Celeron P4600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Westmere (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 0.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 965 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Athlon II X2 260u and Celeron P4600 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Athlon II X2 260u versus 0.1 GHz on the Celeron P4600 — a 178.9% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 260u. The Athlon II X2 260u uses the Regor (2009−2013) architecture (45 nm), while the Celeron P4600 uses Westmere (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X2 260u scores 990 against the Celeron P4600's 965 — a 2.6% lead for the Athlon II X2 260u. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X2 260u vs 2 MB on the Celeron P4600.

Feature	Athlon II X2 260u	Celeron P4600
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.8 GHz+1700%	0.1 GHz
Base Clock	—	2 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	2 MB
L2 Cache	1 MB+100%	512 kB
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Regor (2009−2013)	Westmere (2010−2011)
PassMark	990+3%	965

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Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X2 260u uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron P4600 uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Athlon II X2 260u versus 1066 on the Celeron P4600 — the Athlon II X2 260u supports 25% 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 — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon II X2 260u) vs 16 (Celeron P4600) — the Celeron P4600 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AM2+,AM3 (Athlon II X2 260u) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Celeron P4600).

Feature	Athlon II X2 260u	Celeron P4600
Socket	AM3	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1333+25%	1066
Max RAM Capacity	16+100%	8
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. The Celeron P4600 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)), while the Athlon II X2 260u requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 260u rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400; Celeron P4600 rivals Pentium P6000.

Feature	Athlon II X2 260u	Celeron P4600
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	None	Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	true

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X2 260u was priced at $60, while the Celeron P4600 came in at $86. On launch pricing ($60 vs $86), Athlon II X2 260u was $26 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X2 260u delivers 16.5 pts/$ vs 11.2 pts/$ for the Celeron P4600 — making the Athlon II X2 260u the 38.1% better value option.

Feature	Athlon II X2 260u	Celeron P4600
MSRP	$60-30%	$86
Performance per Dollar	16.5+47%	11.2
Release Date	2009	2010

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