Athlon XP 1700+ vs C-30

AMD

Athlon XP 1700+

1 Cores1 Thrd64 WWMax: 1.47 GHz2001
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

C-30

1 Cores1 Thrd512 WWMax: 1.2 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Athlon XP 1700+ vs C-30 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 XP 1700+ vs C-30: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Athlon XP 1700+

2001

Why buy it

  • Draws 64W instead of 512W, a 448W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 1.1 vs 4.0 PassMark/$ ($190 MSRP vs $50 MSRP).
  • No integrated graphics, while C-30 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

C-30

2011

Why buy it

  • Costs $140 less on MSRP ($50 MSRP vs $190 MSRP).
  • Delivers 260.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 4.0 vs 1.1 PassMark/$ ($50 MSRP vs $190 MSRP).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6250, while Athlon XP 1700+ needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (201 vs 212).
  • 700% higher power demand at 512W vs 64W.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon XP 1700+ better than C-30?
Yes. Athlon XP 1700+ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 5.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Athlon XP 1700+ has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 22.5% higher max boost clock.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon XP 1700+ is the stronger fit. You are getting 5.5% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon XP 1700+ is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Athlon XP 1700+ comes in 280.0% more expensive on MSRP at $190 MSRP versus $50 MSRP, and it still gives you 5.5% higher PassMark. C-30 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
C-30 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2001). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon XP 1700+ vs C-30 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon XP 1700+

The Athlon XP 1700+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Thoroughbred (2001−2002) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.47 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 256 kB. Built on 180 nm process technology. Socket: A. Thermal design power (TDP): 64 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 212 points. Launch price was $149.

AMD

C-30

The C-30 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Ontario (2011−2012) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 40 nm process technology. Socket: FT1. Thermal design power (TDP): 512 kB. Memory support: DDR3 Single-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 201 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon XP 1700+ and C-30 share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.47 GHz on the Athlon XP 1700+ versus 1.2 GHz on the C-30 — a 20.2% clock advantage for the Athlon XP 1700+. The Athlon XP 1700+ uses the Thoroughbred (2001−2002) architecture (180 nm), while the C-30 uses Ontario (2011−2012) (40 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon XP 1700+ scores 212 against the C-30's 201 — a 5.3% lead for the Athlon XP 1700+. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureAthlon XP 1700+C-30
Cores / Threads
1 / 1
1 / 1
Boost Clock
1.47 GHz+23%
1.2 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
256 kB
512 kB+100%
Process
180 nm
40 nm-78%
Architecture
Thoroughbred (2001−2002)
Ontario (2011−2012)
PassMark
212+5%
201
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon XP 1700+ uses the A socket (PCIe 1.1), while the C-30 uses FT1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR-266 on the Athlon XP 1700+ versus DDR3-1066 on the C-30 — the C-30 supports -500.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 4 GB of RAM. Both feature 1-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon XP 1700+) vs 4 (C-30) — the C-30 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD Socket A (Athlon XP 1700+) and AMD BGA413 (C-30).

FeatureAthlon XP 1700+C-30
Socket
A
FT1
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed
DDR-266
DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity
4 GB
4 GB
RAM Channels
1
1
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
0
4
🔧

Advanced Features

The C-30 includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6250), while the Athlon XP 1700+ requires a dedicated GPU.

FeatureAthlon XP 1700+C-30
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 6250
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon XP 1700+ was priced at $190, while the C-30 came in at $50. On launch pricing ($190 vs $50), C-30 was $140 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon XP 1700+ delivers 1.1 pts/$ vs 4.0 pts/$ for the C-30 — making the C-30 the 113.1% better value option.

FeatureAthlon XP 1700+C-30
MSRP
$190
$50-74%
Performance per Dollar
1.1
4.0+264%
Release Date
2001
2011

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