Athlon X2 QL-66 vs Celeron G1630

AMD

Athlon X2 QL-66

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Celeron G1630

2 Cores2 Thrd55 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Athlon X2 QL-66 vs Celeron G1630 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 QL-66 vs Celeron G1630 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 QL-66 vs Celeron G1630: 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 QL-66

2009

Why buy it

  • Draws 1W instead of 55W, a 54W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,695 vs 1,707).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.3 vs 40.6 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).
  • No integrated graphics, while Celeron G1630 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Celeron G1630

2013

Why buy it

  • Costs $108 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
  • Delivers 259.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 40.6 vs 11.3 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge), while Athlon X2 QL-66 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • 5400% higher power demand at 55W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G1630 better than Athlon X2 QL-66?
Yes. Celeron G1630 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 0.7% 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, Celeron G1630 has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 27.3% higher max boost clock.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Celeron G1630 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron G1630 is the better buy right now. Celeron G1630 comes in $108 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $150 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% higher PassMark. It is also 259.7% better value on MSRP (40.6 vs 11.3 PassMark/$), 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 G1630 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Athlon X2 QL-66 vs Celeron G1630 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon X2 QL-66

The Athlon X2 QL-66 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Lion (2008−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1g2. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,695 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Celeron G1630

The Celeron G1630 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,707 points. Launch price was $80.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon X2 QL-66 and Celeron G1630 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Athlon X2 QL-66 versus 2.8 GHz on the Celeron G1630 — a 24% clock advantage for the Celeron G1630. The Athlon X2 QL-66 uses the Lion (2008−2009) architecture (65 nm), while the Celeron G1630 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon X2 QL-66 scores 1,695 against the Celeron G1630's 1,707 — a 0.7% lead for the Celeron G1630.

FeatureAthlon X2 QL-66Celeron G1630
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.2 GHz
2.8 GHz+27%
Base Clock
2.8 GHz
L3 Cache
2 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB+300%
256 kB (per core)
Process
65 nm
22 nm-66%
Architecture
Lion (2008−2009)
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark
1,695
1,707
Geekbench 6 Single
386
Geekbench 6 Multi
635
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon X2 QL-66 uses the S1g2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron G1630 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Athlon X2 QL-66 versus DDR3-1333 on the Celeron G1630 — the Celeron G1630 supports 99.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G1630 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon X2 QL-66) vs 16 (Celeron G1630) — the Celeron G1630 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD S1 (Athlon X2 QL-66) and H61,B75,H77,Z77 (Celeron G1630).

FeatureAthlon X2 QL-66Celeron G1630
Socket
S1g2
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
DDR2-667
DDR3-1333+100%
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
32 GB+300%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
0
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Athlon X2 QL-66) / VT-x (Celeron G1630). The Celeron G1630 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge)), while the Athlon X2 QL-66 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G1630 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G1630 rivals Pentium G2030.

FeatureAthlon X2 QL-66Celeron G1630
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge)
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x
Target Use
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon X2 QL-66 was priced at $150, while the Celeron G1630 came in at $42. On launch pricing ($150 vs $42), Celeron G1630 was $108 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon X2 QL-66 delivers 11.3 pts/$ vs 40.6 pts/$ for the Celeron G1630 — making the Celeron G1630 the 113% better value option.

FeatureAthlon X2 QL-66Celeron G1630
MSRP
$150
$42-72%
Performance per Dollar
11.3
40.6+259%
Release Date
2009
2013

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