Athlon 64 X2 5600+
AMD
PassMark
1,665
MSRP
$505
AVG Price
$15
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 X2 5600+ 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: 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: AM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,665 points. Launch price was $149.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon 64 X2 5600+ is positioned at rank #1088 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 X2 5600+
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Athlon 64 X2 5600+ 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 X2 5600+ specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Athlon 64 X2 5600+ 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 2.9 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 512K of L2 cache and 256 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,665, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2.9 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 | 512K |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 256 kB |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 220 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 227 million |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 1,665 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 64 X2 5600+ fits into the AM2 socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage.
| Specification | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | AM2 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 1.1 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 0 |
| 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 AM2 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Power & Cooling
The Athlon 64 X2 5600+ has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 89 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 89 Watt |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $505), the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ delivers 111 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1088 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3113 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $505 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $15 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $149 |
| Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking | #1088 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #3113 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2009-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2006 |
| 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 X2 5600+
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