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 64 2600+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Lima (2008−2009) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 392 points. Launch price was $149.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon 64 2600+ is positioned at rank #1080 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 64 2600+

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

79519%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

75138%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

54556%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

16435%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

13019%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

11389%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

6523%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

6438%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

5862%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

5861%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

5796%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

5639%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

5560%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

5538%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

5488%

#1080

Athlon 64 2600+

MSRP: $100|Avg: $5

100%

#1081

Celeron 2.20

MSRP: $79|Avg: $15

98%

#1082

Athlon 64 X2 4000+

MSRP: $328|Avg: $10

91%

#1083

Athlon 64 X2 5200+

MSRP: $420|Avg: $15

91%

#1084

Core i7-975

MSRP: $999|Avg: $50

90%

#1085

Athlon XP 2600+

MSRP: $98|Avg: $10

89%

#1086

Core i7-965

MSRP: $1000|Avg: $40

87%

#1087

Athlon 64 FX-74

MSRP: $499|Avg: $50

85%

#1088

Core 2 Extreme QX9770

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $1399

84%

#1089

Athlon 64 2000+

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

84%

#1090

Athlon 64 X2 5600+

MSRP: $505|Avg: $15

84%

#1091

Athlon 64 X2 5400+

MSRP: $485|Avg: $78

83%

#1092

Celeron 2.30

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

83%

#1093

Phenom X4 9450e

MSRP: $450|Avg: $430

82%

#1094

Athlon 64 X2 3800+

MSRP: $354|Avg: $20

79%

#1095

Athlon 64 3000+

MSRP: $149|Avg: $10

77%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon 64 2600+ across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon 64 2600+ specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon 64 2600+ is a 1-core / 1-thread processor based on the Lima (2008−2009) architecture, manufactured on a 65 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 512 kB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 392, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Athlon 64 2600+
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	1C / 1T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	1.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Lima (2008−2009)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	65 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	512 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	77 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	122 million
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	392

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon 64 2600+ fits into the AM2 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage.

Specification	Athlon 64 2600+
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	AM2
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	0
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR2-667
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	AMD AM2
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon 64 2600+ 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.

Specification	Athlon 64 2600+
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	15 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $5 (MSRP: $100), the Athlon 64 2600+ delivers 78 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1080 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3596 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon 64 2600+
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$100
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$5
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$149
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1080
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3596
Release DateLaunch date	2009-01-01
Release Year	2008
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD