CPU·Budget

Athlon 64 FX-55

AMD

PassMark

690

MSRP

$827

AVG Price

$50

10 October 2004 (21 years ago)

104 Watt

Clawhammer (2001−2005)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Athlon 64 FX-55

1 / 1

690

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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. 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-55

#938

Pentium 4 2.80

MSRP: $327|Avg: $25

118%

#939

Core i5-660

MSRP: $196|Avg: $150

118%

#940

Core 2 Quad Q8400

MSRP: $183|Avg: $128

118%

#941

Pentium G3240

MSRP: $89|Avg: $126

111%

#942

Core i3-2130

MSRP: $138|Avg: $138

109%

#943

Pentium 4 2.26

MSRP: $241|Avg: $20

107%

#944

Pentium 4 2.60

MSRP: $401|Avg: $25

106%

#945

Core 2 Quad Q9505

MSRP: $213|Avg: $150

105%

#946

Core 2 Duo E8600

MSRP: $200|Avg: $95

105%

#947

Pentium J4205

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

104%

#948

Phenom II X6 1075T

MSRP: $245|Avg: N/A

104%

#949

PRO A10-8770E

MSRP: $395|Avg: $210

104%

#950

Core i5-5675R

MSRP: $339|Avg: $392

103%

#951

Athlon XP 1700+

MSRP: $190|Avg: $15

102%

#952

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

MSRP: $4491|Avg: $4491

102%

#953

Athlon 64 FX-55

MSRP: $827|Avg: $50

100%

#954

Core i5-2390T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $182

99%

#955

Core i3-3225

MSRP: $172|Avg: $167

99%

#956

Core i7-6900K

MSRP: $1089|Avg: $1089

98%

#957

Core i3-3220T

MSRP: $149|Avg: $146

97%

#958

Athlon XP 1600+

MSRP: $160|Avg: $15

97%

#959

Athlon II X2 240e

MSRP: $77|Avg: $77

95%

#960

Phenom II X3 710

MSRP: $125|Avg: N/A

93%

#961

Athlon XP 1500+

MSRP: $130|Avg: $15

91%

#962

Core i3-2100T

MSRP: $127|Avg: $127

87%

#963

Athlon XP 1900+

MSRP: $269|Avg: $20

86%

#964

Core 2 Duo E7300

MSRP: $133|Avg: $133

85%

#965

Pentium Extreme Edition 965

MSRP: $999|Avg: $100

84%

#966

Phenom II X4 810

MSRP: $175|Avg: N/A

84%

#967

Athlon 64 X2 4200+

MSRP: $581|Avg: $110

83%

#968

Pentium III 1400

MSRP: $250|Avg: $20

83%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon 64 FX-55 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

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. 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
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

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

6 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	AMD
Launch Price	$180
Release Date	10 October 2004 (21 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Clawhammer (2001−2005)
Performance Ranking Position	3446

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores	1
Threads	1
Die Size	193 mm2
L1 Cache	128 kB
L2 Cache	1 MB
L3 Cache	0 kB
Max Frequency	2.6 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.6 GHz
Transistor Count	105 million
Process Technology	130 nm
Unlocked Multiplier	+
Windows 11 Compatible	-
Max Case Temperature (TCase)	63 °C