Athlon 64 FX-55
AMD
PassMark
690
MSRP
$827
AVG Price
$50
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-55 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 October 2004 (21 years ago). It is based on the Clawhammer (2001−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 104 Watt. Memory support: DDR1 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 690 points. Launch price was $180.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon 64 FX-55 is positioned at rank #1134 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 64 FX-55
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Athlon 64 FX-55 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Athlon 64 FX-55 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Athlon 64 FX-55 is a 1-core / 1-thread processor based on the Clawhammer (2001−2005) architecture, manufactured on a 130 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.6 GHz from a base frequency of 2.6 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 690, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Athlon 64 FX-55 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 1C / 1T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2.6 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.6 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Clawhammer (2001−2005) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 130 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 0 kB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 1 MB |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 128 kB |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 193 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 105 million |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked | Yes (Overclockable) |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 690 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 64 FX-55 fits into the 939 socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR1 Depends on motherboard memory at speeds up to DDR1-400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 4 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).
| Specification | Athlon 64 FX-55 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | 939 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 1.1 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR1 Depends on motherboard |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR1-400 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 4 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 | nForce3,nForce4,Xpress 200 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Power & Cooling
The Athlon 64 FX-55 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 104 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Athlon 64 FX-55 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 104 Watt |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $50 (MSRP: $827), the Athlon 64 FX-55 delivers 14 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1134 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3446 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Athlon 64 FX-55 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $827 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $50 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $180 |
| Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking | #1134 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #3446 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 10 October 2004 (21 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2004 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | AMD |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)
AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for Athlon 64 FX-55
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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Compare Athlon 64 FX-55
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