Athlon II M300
CPU·Budget

Athlon II M300

AMD

PassMark

1,700

MSRP

$100

AVG Price

$10

2009-01-01
1 MB
Caspian (2009)

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 II M300 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Caspian (2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1g3. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,700 points. Launch price was $149.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon II M300 is positioned at rank #940 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 II M300

#928
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
1726%
#929
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
1701%
#930
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
1561%
#931
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
1554%
#932
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
1540%
#934
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
1487%
#935
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
1426%
#936
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
1424%
#937
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
1385%
#940
Athlon II M300
MSRP: $100|Avg: $10
100%
#944
Athlon Neo X2 L335
MSRP: $80|Avg: $15
98%
#945
Core i7-3610QE
MSRP: $315|Avg: $105
98%
#948
A8-8600P
MSRP: $150|Avg: $30
97%
#950
FX-9800P
MSRP: $150|Avg: $45
96%
#951
Celeron 1020E
MSRP: $86|Avg: $20
96%
#954
Core i7-5850EQ
MSRP: $435|Avg: $370
95%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon II M300 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Athlon II M300 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Caspian (2009) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2 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 1,700, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationAthlon II M300
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designCaspian (2009)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient45 nm
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data1 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache128 kB
Bus SpeedData bus frequency3200 MHz
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,700
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II M300 fits into the S1g3 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR2 memory at speeds up to 800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 8 across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationAthlon II M300
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyAMD Athlon II
SocketMotherboard socket requiredS1g3
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR2
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency800
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory8
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorNone
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUS1g3
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Core 2 Duo T6400.

SpecificationAthlon II M300
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologytrue
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerCore 2 Duo T6400
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon II M300 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. It ships with the false stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Laptop Integrated.

SpecificationAthlon II M300
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload1 MB
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxfalse
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionLaptop Integrated
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $10 (MSRP: $100), the Athlon II M300 delivers 170 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #940 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3268 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationAthlon II M300
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$100
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#940
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#3268
Release DateLaunch date2009-01-01
Release Year2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)AMD

Our Recommendation for Athlon II M300

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