Athlon X2 L310 vs Pentium Dual Core T2390

AMD

Athlon X2 L310

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 1.2 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium Dual Core T2390

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 1.86 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Athlon X2 L310 vs Pentium Dual Core T2390 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 X2 L310 vs Pentium Dual Core T2390 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 X2 L310 vs Pentium Dual Core T2390: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Athlon X2 L310

2009

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,747 vs 1,771).
    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.5 vs 20.6 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).

    Pentium Dual Core T2390

    2008

    Why buy it

    • Costs $14 less on MSRP ($86 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
    • Delivers 17.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.6 vs 17.5 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).

    Trade-offs

    • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Pentium Dual Core T2390 better than Athlon X2 L310?
    Yes. Pentium Dual Core T2390 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 1.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Pentium Dual Core T2390 has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 55% higher max boost clock.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium Dual Core T2390 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Pentium Dual Core T2390 is the better buy right now. Pentium Dual Core T2390 comes in $14 cheaper on MSRP at $86 MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.4% higher PassMark. It is also 17.9% better value on MSRP (20.6 vs 17.5 PassMark/$), 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 X2 L310 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Athlon X2 L310 vs Pentium Dual Core T2390 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Athlon X2 L310

    The Athlon X2 L310 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Conesus (2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.2 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,747 points. Launch price was $149.

    Intel

    Pentium Dual Core T2390

    The Pentium Dual Core T2390 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.86 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,771 points. Launch price was $69.

    Processing Power

    Both the Athlon X2 L310 and Pentium Dual Core T2390 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.2 GHz on the Athlon X2 L310 versus 1.86 GHz on the Pentium Dual Core T2390 — a 43.1% clock advantage for the Pentium Dual Core T2390. The Athlon X2 L310 uses the Conesus (2009) architecture (65 nm), while the Pentium Dual Core T2390 uses NetBurst (2000−2006) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon X2 L310 scores 1,747 against the Pentium Dual Core T2390's 1,771 — a 1.4% lead for the Pentium Dual Core T2390.

    FeatureAthlon X2 L310Pentium Dual Core T2390
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    2 / 2
    Boost Clock
    1.2 GHz
    1.86 GHz+55%
    L2 Cache
    1 MB
    1 MB
    Process
    65 nm
    65 nm
    Architecture
    Conesus (2009)
    NetBurst (2000−2006)
    PassMark
    1,747
    1,771+1%
    Geekbench 6 Single
    120
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    213
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Athlon X2 L310 uses the S1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium Dual Core T2390 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureAthlon X2 L310Pentium Dual Core T2390
    Socket
    S1
    PGA478
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0+82%
    PCIe 1.1
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR2-667
    Max RAM Capacity
    4 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    0
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: Yes (Athlon X2 L310) / not specified (Pentium Dual Core T2390). Primary use case: Athlon X2 L310 targets Mobile.

    FeatureAthlon X2 L310Pentium Dual Core T2390
    Integrated GPU
    No
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    Yes
    Target Use
    Mobile
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Athlon X2 L310 was priced at $100, while the Pentium Dual Core T2390 came in at $86. On launch pricing ($100 vs $86), Pentium Dual Core T2390 was $14 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon X2 L310 delivers 17.5 pts/$ vs 20.6 pts/$ for the Pentium Dual Core T2390 — making the Pentium Dual Core T2390 the 16.4% better value option.

    FeatureAthlon X2 L310Pentium Dual Core T2390
    MSRP
    $100
    $86-14%
    Performance per Dollar
    17.5
    20.6+18%
    Release Date
    2009
    2008

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