Athlon 64 FX-72
AMD
PassMark
1,794
MSRP
$799
AVG Price
$40
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-72 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: F. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR1. Passmark benchmark score: 1,794 points. Launch price was $149.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 FX-72
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Athlon 64 FX-72 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Cyberpunk 2077
Elden Ring
Garry's Mod
Hogwarts Legacy
League of Legends
Minecraft
Overwatch 2
Path of Exile 2
Phasmophobia
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Athlon 64 FX-72 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Athlon 64 FX-72 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture, manufactured on a 90 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.8 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 1,794, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Athlon 64 FX-72 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2.8 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Windsor (2006−2007) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 90 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 | 235 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 227 million |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 1,794 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 64 FX-72 fits into the F socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR1 memory at speeds up to DDR2-800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).
| Specification | Athlon 64 FX-72 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | F |
| 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 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR2-800 |
| 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 F (1207) |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Power & Cooling
The Athlon 64 FX-72 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 125 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Athlon 64 FX-72 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 125 Watt |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $40 (MSRP: $799), the Athlon 64 FX-72 delivers 45 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2679 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Athlon 64 FX-72 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $799 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $40 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $149 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #2679 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2009-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2006 |
| 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
General Information
6 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Designer | AMD |
| Launch Price | $149 |
| Release Date | 2009-01-01 |
| Architecture Codename | Windsor (2006−2007) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 2679 |
Technical Specifications
11 specs
Technical Specifications
11 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 2 |
| Die Size | 235 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 128 kB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB |
| Max Frequency | 2.8 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Transistor Count | 227 million |
| Process Technology | 90 nm |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | F |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 125 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
1 spec
Memory
1 spec
| RAM Types | DDR1 |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Athlon 64 FX-72
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
Compare Athlon 64 FX-72 with other popular CPUs
Compare Athlon 64 FX-72
See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives
Better Alternatives (8)
Similar or Lower Performance (8)
