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. The Athlon 64 FX-72 is positioned at rank #1100 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-72

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

138540%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

130907%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

95049%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

28634%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

22681%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

19842%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

11364%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

11216%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

10212%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

10212%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

10097%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

9825%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

9688%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

9648%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

9561%

#1100

Athlon 64 FX-72

MSRP: $799|Avg: $40

100%

#1101

Athlon 64 X2 4200+

MSRP: $581|Avg: $110

96%

#1102

Athlon 64 3500+

MSRP: $272|Avg: $10

93%

#1103

Pentium D 830

MSRP: $316|Avg: $20

87%

#1104

Pentium D 960

MSRP: $523|Avg: $15

85%

#1105

Athlon XP 2500+

MSRP: $172|Avg: $15

83%

#1106

Athlon 64 3800+

MSRP: $354|Avg: $10

81%

#1107

Pentium 4 2.53

MSRP: $193|Avg: $13

80%

#1108

Pentium 4 2.40

MSRP: $193|Avg: $193

75%

#1109

Athlon XP 2400+

MSRP: $193|Avg: $10

70%

#1110

Pentium D 950

MSRP: $637|Avg: $10

65%

#1111

Athlon XP 1500+

MSRP: $130|Avg: $15

64%

#1112

Athlon 64 4000+

MSRP: $482|Avg: $30

62%

#1113

Pentium 4 2.66

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

56%

#1114

Pentium 4 2.80

MSRP: $327|Avg: $25

56%

#1115

Athlon XP 1600+

MSRP: $160|Avg: $15

56%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

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. It currently holds Rank #1100 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1100
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2679
Release DateLaunch date	2009-01-01
Release Year	2006
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD