Athlon 240GE
CPU·Budget

Athlon 240GE

AMD

PassMark

4,561

MSRP

$75

AVG Price

$110

21 December 2018 (6 years ago)
35 Watt
Zen (2017−2020)

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.

Overview

The Athlon 240GE is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 21 December 2018 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen (2017−2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 4,561 points. Launch price was $75.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Athlon 240GE

#355
Core i9-10900
MSRP: $483|Avg: $426
108%
#356
Ryzen Embedded V1605B
MSRP: $150|Avg: $150
108%
#357
Core i9-10900K
MSRP: $499|Avg: $500
108%
#358
Celeron G4930
MSRP: $42|Avg: $57
108%
#359
Ryzen 7 2700E
MSRP: $329|Avg: $329
107%
#360
Ryzen Embedded V2516
MSRP: $300|Avg: $300
107%
#361
Ryzen Threadripper 9970X
MSRP: $2499|Avg: $2442
107%
#362
Core i9-14901E
MSRP: $557|Avg: $689
106%
#363
Celeron G5900T
MSRP: $42|Avg: $50
106%
#364
Celeron G6900TE
MSRP: $53|Avg: $64
105%
#365
Core i5-8600T
MSRP: $213|Avg: $213
104%
#366
Celeron G4950
MSRP: $52|Avg: $63
104%
#367
Core i9-10900E
MSRP: $488|Avg: $450
104%
#368
Core i7-9700KF
MSRP: $374|Avg: $333
103%
#369
Core i5-8400T
MSRP: $182|Avg: $179
100%
#370
Athlon 240GE
MSRP: $75|Avg: $110
100%
#371
Core 5 120UL
MSRP: $277|Avg: $270
94%
#372
Ryzen Embedded V3C14
MSRP: $305|Avg: $305
94%
#373
Core i7-9700T
MSRP: $323|Avg: $276
93%
#374
Core i9-13900TE
MSRP: $554|Avg: $554
90%
#375
Ryzen Embedded V2546
MSRP: $300|Avg: $300
88%
#376
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7945WX
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $1399
86%
#377
Core i3-9100HL
MSRP: $225|Avg: $100
83%
#378
Core i9-12900TE
MSRP: $494|Avg: $664
83%
#379
Core i9-9940X
MSRP: $1387|Avg: $850
80%
#380
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX
MSRP: $1899|Avg: $1836
79%
#381
Ryzen Embedded V1756B
MSRP: $250|Avg: $250
78%
#382
Ryzen Embedded R2544
MSRP: $280|Avg: $280
73%
#383
Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
MSRP: $4999|Avg: $4999
69%
#384
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
MSRP: $3990|Avg: $2850
68%
#385
Celeron G4900
MSRP: $42|Avg: $85
67%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon 240GE specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Athlon 240GE is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Zen (2017−2020) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 3.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 512K (per core) of L2 cache and 96K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,561, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 930, while multi-core reaches 2,200.

SpecificationAthlon 240GE
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency3.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designZen (2017−2020)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores4 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data512K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache96K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor209.78 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities4,800 million
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score4,561
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming930
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance2,200
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon 240GE fits into the AM4 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 8 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 Dual-channel memory at speeds up to DDR4-2666 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Radeon Vega 3 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationAthlon 240GE
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SeriesProduct familyAMD Athlon
SocketMotherboard socket requiredAM4
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion8
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR4 Dual-channel
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR4-2666
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorRadeon Vega 3
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUA320,B450
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1 (Uniprocessor)
🔧

Advanced Features

The Athlon 240GE is primarily designed for Budget Desktop. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium Gold G5400.

SpecificationAthlon 240GE
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryBudget Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyAMD-V
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerPentium Gold G5400
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon 240GE has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Included stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Standard.

SpecificationAthlon 240GE
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload35 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxIncluded
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionStandard
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $110 (MSRP: $75), the Athlon 240GE delivers 41 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1934 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationAthlon 240GE
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$75
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$110
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$75
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#1934
Release DateLaunch date21 December 2018 (6 years ago)
Release Year2018
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)AMD

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