
Athlon 64 X2 TK-42
AMD
PassMark
775
MSRP
$60
AVG Price
$10
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 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. 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 TK-42
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Apex Legends

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Counter-Strike 2

Dota 2

Final Fantasy XIV

Fortnite

League of Legends

Left 4 Dead 2

Minecraft

Palworld
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. 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 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #3332 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2009-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2009 |
| 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.
3 categories
General Information
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | Laptop |
| Series | 2x AMD Athlon 64 |
| Designer | AMD |
| Launch Price | $149 |
| Release Date | 2009-01-01 |
| Architecture Codename | Tyler (2007−2009) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 3332 |
Technical Specifications
10 specs
Technical Specifications
10 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 2 |
| L1 Cache | 0 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB |
| Bus Speed | 1600 MHz |
| Max Frequency | 1.6 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Process Technology | 65 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 95 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
3 specs
Compatibility
3 specs
| Socket | S1 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 1 MB |
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