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 TK-42 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Tyler (2007−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 775 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 TK-42 is positioned at rank #1019 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 X2 TK-42

#1007

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

2271%

#1008

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

2238%

#1009

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

2054%

#1010

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

2045%

#1011

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

2026%

#1013

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

1957%

#1014

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

1876%

#1015

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

1873%

#1016

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

1823%

#1019

Athlon 64 X2 TK-42

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

100%

#1020

Athlon Neo MV-40

MSRP: $100|Avg: $5

99%

#1021

Core i7-4860EQ

MSRP: $434|Avg: $80

98%

#1022

Pentium SU2700

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

98%

#1023

A4-1250

MSRP: $100|Avg: $30

97%

#1025

Core i5-4200M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

97%

#1026

Celeron 1000M

MSRP: $86|Avg: N/A

96%

#1028

Celeron B840

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

96%

#1029

Celeron M 743

MSRP: $107|Avg: $15

96%

#1030

Core i7-3612QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

95%

#1031

Pentium 967

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

95%

#1032

Core i5-4400E

MSRP: $266|Avg: $50

95%

#1034

Pentium Dual Core T4400

MSRP: $107|Avg: $5

93%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Tyler (2007−2009) architecture, manufactured on a 65 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 775, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Athlon 64 X2 TK-42
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	1.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Tyler (2007−2009)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	65 nm
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	0 MB
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	1600 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	95 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	775

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 fits into the S1 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage.

Specification	Athlon 64 X2 TK-42
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	2x AMD Athlon 64
SocketMotherboard socket required	S1
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	0
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR2-667
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	8 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 S1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 1 MB — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Athlon 64 X2 TK-42
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	1 MB
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	95 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $10 (MSRP: $60), the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 delivers 78 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1019 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3332 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon 64 X2 TK-42
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$60
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$10
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$149
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1019
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3332
Release DateLaunch date	2009-01-01
Release Year	2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD