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 Neo K125 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Geneva (2010) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.7 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,491 points. Launch price was $149.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon II Neo K125 is positioned at rank #982 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 Neo K125

#970

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

1968%

#971

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

1939%

#972

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

1780%

#973

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

1772%

#974

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

1756%

#976

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

1696%

#977

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

1626%

#978

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

1623%

#979

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

1579%

#982

Athlon II Neo K125

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

100%

#986

Pro A8-8600B

MSRP: $150|Avg: $25

99%

#991

Pentium 8500

MSRP: $200|Avg: $200

97%

#992

A6-8500P

MSRP: $100|Avg: $16

97%

#994

Core i7-4700EQ

MSRP: $378|Avg: $180

96%

#995

Core i3-8145UE

MSRP: $281|Avg: $50

96%

#996

Core i7-4712MQ

MSRP: $378|Avg: $60

94%

#997

Core i7-3615QE

MSRP: $400|Avg: $100

94%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon II Neo K125 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon II Neo K125 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon II Neo K125 is a 1-core / 1-thread processor based on the Geneva (2010) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.7 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 1,491, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Athlon II Neo K125
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	1C / 1T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	1.7 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Geneva (2010)
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	2000 MHz
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,491

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II Neo K125 fits into the S1 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 4 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Athlon II Neo K125
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	AMD Athlon II Neo
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
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-800
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	4 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 ASB2

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon II Neo K125 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 II Neo K125
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	1 MB

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $100, the Athlon II Neo K125 delivers 15 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #982 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3523 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon II Neo K125
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$100
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$100
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$149
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#982
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3523
Release DateLaunch date	2009-01-01
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD