CPU
GPU
Athlon II X2 260u
Core i7-9700K
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. The Athlon II X2 260u is positioned at rank #873 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon II X2 260u
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon II X2 260u | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Regor (2009−2013) / 45 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon II X2 260u | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+38%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
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 260u and Core i7-9700K
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.
Core i7-9700K
The Core i7-9700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,397 points. Launch price was $374.
Processing Power
The Athlon II X2 260u packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-9700K has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Athlon II X2 260u versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 92.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K. The Athlon II X2 260u uses the Regor (2009−2013) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X2 260u scores 990 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 174.3% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X2 260u vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.
| Feature | Athlon II X2 260u | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 8 / 8+300% |
| Boost Clock | 1.8 GHz | 4.9 GHz+172% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB+300% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 14 nm-69% |
| Architecture | Regor (2009−2013) | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 990 | 14,397+1354% |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon II X2 260u uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Athlon II X2 260u versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Athlon II X2 260u supports 198.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-9700K supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 16 — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon II X2 260u) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Core i7-9700K offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AM2+,AM3 (Athlon II X2 260u) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).
| Feature | Athlon II X2 260u | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+33225% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 128 GB+838860700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Athlon II X2 260u) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Athlon II X2 260u requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 260u rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.
| Feature | Athlon II X2 260u | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Athlon II X2 260u launched at $60 MSRP, while the Core i7-9700K debuted at $385. At current prices ($10 vs $200), the Athlon II X2 260u is $190 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X2 260u delivers 99.0 pts/$ vs 72.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Athlon II X2 260u the 31.6% better value option.
| Feature | Athlon II X2 260u | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $60-84% | $385 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10-95% | $200 |
| Performance per Dollar | 99.0+38% | 72.0 |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2018 |
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