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-74 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Novembro 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 3 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: 1,658 points. Launch price was $500.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon 64 FX-74 is positioned at rank #1087 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-74

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

93890%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

88717%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

64416%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

19406%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

15371%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

13447%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

7702%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

7601%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

6921%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

6920%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

6843%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

6658%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

6565%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

6539%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

6480%

#1087

Athlon 64 FX-74

MSRP: $499|Avg: $50

100%

#1088

Athlon 64 X2 5600+

MSRP: $505|Avg: $15

99%

#1089

Core 2 Extreme QX9770

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $1399

99%

#1090

Athlon 64 2000+

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

99%

#1091

Athlon 64 X2 5400+

MSRP: $485|Avg: $78

98%

#1092

Celeron 2.30

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

98%

#1093

Phenom X4 9450e

MSRP: $450|Avg: $430

97%

#1094

Athlon 64 X2 3800+

MSRP: $354|Avg: $20

93%

#1095

Athlon 64 3000+

MSRP: $149|Avg: $10

91%

#1096

Athlon XP 3100+

MSRP: $150|Avg: $20

85%

#1097

Athlon 64 3300+

MSRP: $200|Avg: $200

79%

#1098

Athlon 64 2800+

MSRP: $178|Avg: $15

71%

#1099

Athlon 64 3700+

MSRP: $272|Avg: $20

69%

#1100

Athlon 64 FX-72

MSRP: $799|Avg: $40

68%

#1101

Athlon 64 X2 4200+

MSRP: $581|Avg: $110

65%

#1102

Athlon 64 3500+

MSRP: $272|Avg: $10

63%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon 64 FX-74 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon 64 FX-74 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon 64 FX-74 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 3 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 1,658, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 400, while multi-core reaches 750.

Specification	Athlon 64 FX-74
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3 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	1,658
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	400
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	750

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon 64 FX-74 fits into the F socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR1 memory at speeds up to DDR2 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Athlon 64 FX-74
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	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR1
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR2
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	nForce 680a
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Athlon 64 FX-74 is primarily designed for Budget. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium Extreme Edition 965.

Specification	Athlon 64 FX-74
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Budget
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	AMD-V
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Pentium Extreme Edition 965

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon 64 FX-74 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. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Tower 140mm.

Specification	Athlon 64 FX-74
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	125 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Tower 140mm

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $50 (MSRP: $499), the Athlon 64 FX-74 delivers 33 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1087 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3083 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon 64 FX-74
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$499
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$50
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$500
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1087
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3083
Release DateLaunch date	Novembro 2006 (19 years ago)
Release Year	2006
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD