CPU·Budget

Athlon II X2 215

AMD

PassMark

1,011

MSRP

$45

AVG Price

$10

20 October 2009 (16 years ago)

65 Watt

Regor (2009−2013)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Athlon II X2 215

2 / 2

1,011

0.0%

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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 X2 215 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,011 points. Launch price was $45.

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.

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 X2 215

#363

Pentium G620

MSRP: $64|Avg: $12

102%

#364

Core i5-3475S

MSRP: $249|Avg: $42

102%

#365

Athlon 200GE

MSRP: $55|Avg: $40

102%

#366

Core i5-13500E

MSRP: $235|Avg: $235

101%

#367

Core i5-650

MSRP: $176|Avg: $22

101%

#368

Celeron G1620T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $15

101%

#369

Core i5-12500E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $200

101%

#370

Athlon 64 X2 3600+

MSRP: $150|Avg: $10

101%

#371

FX-9590

MSRP: $350|Avg: $100

101%

#372

Core i9-11900

MSRP: $439|Avg: $220

101%

#373

Core i7-12700E

MSRP: $314|Avg: $278

101%

#374

Core i3-14100T

MSRP: $134|Avg: $135

101%

#375

Core i5-5575R

MSRP: $265|Avg: $50

100%

#376

Core i5-8600K

MSRP: $257|Avg: $100

100%

#377

Core i5-13400T

MSRP: $221|Avg: $200

100%

#378

Athlon II X2 215

MSRP: $45|Avg: $10

100%

#379

Core 2 Duo E4700

MSRP: $133|Avg: $10

100%

#380

Core i3-530

MSRP: $113|Avg: $15

100%

#381

Pentium G3260

MSRP: $64|Avg: $21

100%

#382

Core i3-12300

MSRP: $143|Avg: $143

99%

#383

Core i7-4765T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $50

99%

#384

Core i7-860

MSRP: $284|Avg: $30

99%

#385

Athlon 64 X2 5200+

MSRP: $420|Avg: $15

99%

#386

Core i7-7700T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $75

99%

#387

Core i5-10505

MSRP: $192|Avg: $120

99%

#388

Core 2 Duo E6540

MSRP: $163|Avg: $15

99%

#389

Core i9-7920X

MSRP: $1199|Avg: $236

99%

#390

Ryzen 3 4300G

MSRP: $149|Avg: $100

98%

#391

Ryzen 9 3950X

MSRP: $749|Avg: $389

98%

#392

Athlon II X2 260u

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

98%

#393

Celeron 450

MSRP: $53|Avg: $5

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon II X2 215 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon II X2 215 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon II X2 215 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.7 GHz from a base frequency of 2.7 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 512 kB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,011, 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 274, while multi-core reaches 674.

Specification	Athlon II X2 215
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.7 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Regor (2009−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	512 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	117 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	410 million
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,011
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	274
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	674

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X2 215 fits into the AM3 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to 1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 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 X2 215
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	AM3
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	1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16
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	AM2+,AM3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Athlon II X2 215 is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium E5400.

Specification	Athlon II X2 215
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Budget
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	true
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Pentium E5400

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon II X2 215 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the true stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock Cooler.

Specification	Athlon II X2 215
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	true
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock Cooler

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $10 (MSRP: $45), the Athlon II X2 215 delivers 101 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3063 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon II X2 215
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$45
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$10
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$45
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3063
Release DateLaunch date	20 October 2009 (16 years ago)
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.

4 categories

General Information

6 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	AMD
Launch Price	$45
Release Date	20 October 2009 (16 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Regor (2009−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	3063

Technical Specifications

12 specs

Cores	2
Threads	2
Die Size	117 mm2
L1 Cache	128 kB
L2 Cache	512 kB
L3 Cache	0 kB
Max Frequency	2.7 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.7 GHz
Transistor Count	410 million
Process Technology	45 nm
Windows 11 Compatible	-