Athlon 64 FX-51
CPU·Budget

Athlon 64 FX-51

AMD

PassMark

615

MSRP

$733

AVG Price

$733

2009-01-01
89 Watt
SledgeHammer (2003−2005)

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 64 FX-51 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the SledgeHammer (2003−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 940. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 615 points. Launch price was $149.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon 64 FX-51 is positioned at rank #1133 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 FX-51

#1
Ryzen 9 7950X
MSRP: $194|Avg: $20
371089%
#2
Core i9-10900T
MSRP: $120|Avg: $5
350643%
#3
Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE
MSRP: $423|Avg: $5
254595%
#4
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85
76699%
#5
Ryzen 9 9950X
MSRP: $649|Avg: $129
60754%
#6
Ryzen 5 8400F
MSRP: $303|Avg: $55
53148%
#7
Ryzen 7 PRO 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $60
30440%
#8
Ryzen 5 2600X
MSRP: $229|Avg: $55
30043%
#9
Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G
MSRP: $150|Avg: $60
27355%
#10
Core Ultra 5 245KF
MSRP: $294|Avg: $189
27352%
#11
Ryzen 5 5500
MSRP: $159|Avg: $85
27046%
#12
Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $80
26317%
#13
Core i3-9100E
MSRP: $202|Avg: $30
25949%
#14
Core Ultra 5 245K
MSRP: $319|Avg: $200
25844%
#15
Core i3-8300T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $25
25610%
#1133
Athlon 64 FX-51
MSRP: $733|Avg: $733
100%
#1134
Athlon 64 FX-55
MSRP: $827|Avg: $50
99%
#1135
Athlon 64 FX-53
MSRP: $799|Avg: $15
96%
#1136
Athlon XP 2000+
MSRP: $339|Avg: $40
88%
#1137
Athlon 64 FX-57
MSRP: $1031|Avg: $200
83%
#1138
Athlon XP 3000+
MSRP: $588|Avg: $20
82%
#1139
Athlon XP 2100+
MSRP: $420|Avg: $30
75%
#1140
Pentium III 1266S
MSRP: $369|Avg: $20
68%
#1141
Pentium 4 1.80
MSRP: $562|Avg: $40
48%
#1142
Pentium III 1133
MSRP: $990|Avg: $30
21%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon 64 FX-51 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Athlon 64 FX-51 is a 1-core / 1-thread processor based on the SledgeHammer (2003−2005) architecture, manufactured on a 130 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 1 MB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 615, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationAthlon 64 FX-51
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units1C / 1T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designSledgeHammer (2003−2005)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient130 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data1 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache128 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor193 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities105 million
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score615
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon 64 FX-51 fits into the 940 socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.

SpecificationAthlon 64 FX-51
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket required940
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 1.1
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion0
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR-400
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory4 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionYes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorNo
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUAMD 940
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon 64 FX-51 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 89 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationAthlon 64 FX-51
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload89 Watt
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $733, the Athlon 64 FX-51 delivers 1 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1133 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3420 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationAthlon 64 FX-51
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$733
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$733
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$149
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#1133
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#3420
Release DateLaunch date2009-01-01
Release Year2003
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)AMD

Our Recommendation for Athlon 64 FX-51

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