Athlon 300U
AMD
PassMark
3,861
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 300U is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Raven Ridge 2 (2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 3,861 points. Launch price was $149.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon 300U is positioned at rank #624 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 300U
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Athlon 300U specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Athlon 300U is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Raven Ridge 2 (2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.3 GHz from a base frequency of 2.4 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 128K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 3,861, 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 900, while multi-core reaches 1,800.
| Specification | Athlon 300U |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 4T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.3 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.4 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Raven Ridge 2 (2019) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 14 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 512K (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 128K (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 209.78 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 4940 Million |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 3,861 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 900 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 1,800 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 300U fits into the FP5 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 12 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 Dual-channel memory at speeds up to DDR4-2400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Radeon RX Vega 3 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Athlon 300U |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | AMD Athlon |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | FP5 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 12 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4 Dual-channel |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 32 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | No |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | Radeon RX Vega 3 |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | FP5 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Advanced Features
The Athlon 300U is primarily designed for Budget Laptop. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).
| Specification | Athlon 300U |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Budget Laptop |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | AMD-V |
Power & Cooling
The Athlon 300U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Laptop Cooling.
| Specification | Athlon 300U |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 15 Watt |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | None |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Laptop Cooling |
Value Analysis
It currently holds Rank #624 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2033 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Athlon 300U |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $149 |
| Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking | #624 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #2033 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2009-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2019 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | AMD |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | GlobalFoundries |
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Our Recommendation for Athlon 300U
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