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 240 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 July 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,060 points. Launch price was $35.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon II X2 240 is positioned at rank #852 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 X2 240

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

17641%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

16669%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

12103%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

3646%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2888%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

2527%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1447%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1428%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1300%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1300%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1286%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1251%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1234%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1229%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1217%

#852

Athlon II X2 240

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

100%

#854

Core i5-2500S

MSRP: $192|Avg: $61

99%

#855

Athlon X2 BE-2400

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

99%

#857

Pentium G850

MSRP: $86|Avg: $75

98%

#858

Core i3-2102

MSRP: $117|Avg: $15

98%

#859

Core i5-3475S

MSRP: $249|Avg: $42

98%

#860

Core i7-2600K

MSRP: $317|Avg: $109

98%

#861

Pentium G860

MSRP: $86|Avg: $36

98%

#862

Athlon II X2 245

MSRP: $66|Avg: $15

97%

#863

Core i7-2700K

MSRP: $332|Avg: $45

97%

#865

Core i5-4670K

MSRP: $328|Avg: $200

96%

#866

Core i5-3330S

MSRP: $231|Avg: $30

96%

#867

Celeron G465

MSRP: $70|Avg: $37

96%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon II X2 240 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon II X2 240 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 2.8 GHz from a base frequency of 2.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 2 MB of L2 cache and 256 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,060, 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 373, while multi-core reaches 700.

Specification	Athlon II X2 240
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.8 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	2 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	256 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	1,060
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	373
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	700

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X2 240 fits into the AM3 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1066 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 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 X2 240
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	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1066
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 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	760G,785G,790GX,880G,890GX
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Athlon II X2 240 is primarily designed for Desktop. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium E5400.

Specification	Athlon II X2 240
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Desktop
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	Pentium E5400

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon II X2 240 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 AMD Stock stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Athlon II X2 240
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	AMD Stock
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $10 (MSRP: $60), the Athlon II X2 240 delivers 106 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #852 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3035 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon II X2 240
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$60
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$10
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$35
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#852
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3035
Release DateLaunch date	23 July 2009 (16 years ago)
Release Year	2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD