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 M320 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: 2.1 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: 1,795 points. Launch price was $149.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon II M320 is positioned at rank #809 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 M320

#797

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

1226%

#798

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

1208%

#799

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

1109%

#800

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

1104%

#801

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

1094%

#803

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

1056%

#804

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

1013%

#805

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

1011%

#806

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

984%

#809

Athlon II M320

MSRP: $75|Avg: $15

100%

#810

Celeron B800

MSRP: $80|Avg: $5

100%

#811

Celeron B710

MSRP: $86|Avg: $10

100%

#813

Athlon II Neo K345

MSRP: $50|Avg: $10

100%

#818

Core i7-8709G

MSRP: $338|Avg: $150

98%

#819

Celeron M 560

MSRP: $86|Avg: $10

98%

#824

Celeron Dual-Core T3000

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

94%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon II M320 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon II M320 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 2.1 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 1,795, 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 188, while multi-core reaches 1,955.

Specification	Athlon II M320
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Caspian (2009)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	45 nm
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	3200 MHz
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,795
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	188
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,955

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II M320 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 DDR2-800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 8 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Athlon II M320
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	AMD Athlon II
SocketMotherboard socket required	S1g3
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR2
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR2-800
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	None
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	Socket S1g3

🔧

Advanced Features

The Athlon II M320 is primarily designed for Legacy Laptop. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Core 2 Duo T6400.

Specification	Athlon II M320
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Legacy Laptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	AMD-V
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Core 2 Duo T6400

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon II M320 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. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Laptop Cooling.

Specification	Athlon II M320
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	1 MB
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	None
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Laptop Cooling

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $75), the Athlon II M320 delivers 120 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #809 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3195 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon II M320
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$75
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	#809
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3195
Release DateLaunch date	2009-01-01
Release Year	2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD