Athlon II X4 605e vs Core i5-2410M

AMD

Athlon II X4 605e

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.3 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-2410M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Athlon II X4 605e vs Core i5-2410M Performance Spectrum

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 X4 605e vs Core i5-2410M 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 X4 605e vs Core i5-2410M: 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 X4 605e

2009

Why buy it

  • +17.1% higher Geekbench multi-core.
  • Costs $82 less on MSRP ($143 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Delivers 58.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.7 vs 8.7 PassMark/$ ($143 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (AMD Stock), unlike Core i5-2410M.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (300 vs 444).
  • 28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2410M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-2410M

2011

Why buy it

  • +48% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Athlon II X4 605e needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (913 vs 1,069).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.7 vs 13.7 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $143 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon II X4 605e.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2410M better than Athlon II X4 605e?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-2410M is ahead with a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X4 605e pulls ahead with 17.1% better Geekbench multi-core.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X4 605e is the stronger fit. You are getting 17.1% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-2410M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-2410M comes in 57.3% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $143 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon II X4 605e only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 58.1% better value on paper (13.7 vs 8.7 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-2410M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X4 605e vs Core i5-2410M Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon II X4 605e

The Athlon II X4 605e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Propus (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,964 points. Launch price was $102.

Intel

Core i5-2410M

The Core i5-2410M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,954 points. Launch price was $225.

Processing Power

The Athlon II X4 605e packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-2410M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Athlon II X4 605e has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Athlon II X4 605e versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-2410M — a 23.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-2410M (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Athlon II X4 605e uses the Propus (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-2410M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X4 605e scores 1,964 against the Core i5-2410M's 1,954 — a 0.5% lead for the Athlon II X4 605e. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 300 vs 444, a 38.7% lead for the Core i5-2410M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,069 vs 913 (15.7% advantage for the Athlon II X4 605e). L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X4 605e vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2410M.

FeatureAthlon II X4 605eCore i5-2410M
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.3 GHz
2.9 GHz+26%
Base Clock
2.3 GHz
2.3 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)+100%
256K (per core)
Process
45 nm
32 nm-29%
Architecture
Propus (2009−2011)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
1,964
1,954
Cinebench R23 Multi
1,140
Geekbench 6 Single
300
444+48%
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,069+17%
913
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X4 605e uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-2410M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Athlon II X4 605e supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: 760G,785G,790GX,880G,890GX (Athlon II X4 605e) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2410M).

FeatureAthlon II X4 605eCore i5-2410M
Socket
AM3
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
1333
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB+100%
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Athlon II X4 605e) vs true (Core i5-2410M). The Core i5-2410M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Athlon II X4 605e requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Athlon II X4 605e targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2410M rivals AMD A8-3500M.

FeatureAthlon II X4 605eCore i5-2410M
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
true
Target Use
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X4 605e was priced at $143, while the Core i5-2410M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($143 vs $225), Athlon II X4 605e was $82 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X4 605e delivers 13.7 pts/$ vs 8.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-2410M — making the Athlon II X4 605e the 45.1% better value option.

FeatureAthlon II X4 605eCore i5-2410M
MSRP
$143-36%
$225
Performance per Dollar
13.7+57%
8.7
Release Date
2009
2011

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