Athlon II X2 240e
CPU·Budget

Athlon II X2 240e

AMD

PassMark

1,007

MSRP

$77

AVG Price

$77

20 October 2009 (16 years ago)
45 Watt
Regor (2009−2013)

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 X2 240e 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,007 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 240e is positioned at rank #941 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 240e

#1
Ryzen 9 7950X
MSRP: $194|Avg: $20
23831%
#2
Core i9-10900T
MSRP: $120|Avg: $5
22518%
#3
Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE
MSRP: $423|Avg: $5
16350%
#4
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85
4926%
#5
Ryzen 9 9950X
MSRP: $649|Avg: $129
3902%
#6
Ryzen 5 8400F
MSRP: $303|Avg: $55
3413%
#7
Ryzen 7 PRO 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $60
1955%
#8
Ryzen 5 2600X
MSRP: $229|Avg: $55
1929%
#9
Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G
MSRP: $150|Avg: $60
1757%
#10
Core Ultra 5 245KF
MSRP: $294|Avg: $189
1757%
#11
Ryzen 5 5500
MSRP: $159|Avg: $85
1737%
#12
Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $80
1690%
#13
Core i3-9100E
MSRP: $202|Avg: $30
1666%
#14
Core Ultra 5 245K
MSRP: $319|Avg: $200
1660%
#15
Core i3-8300T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $25
1645%
#941
Athlon II X2 240e
MSRP: $77|Avg: $77
100%
#942
Pentium G630T
MSRP: $79|Avg: $15
100%
#944
Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition
MSRP: $990|Avg: $175
100%
#946
Core i5-650
MSRP: $176|Avg: $22
98%
#947
Phenom X3 8600
MSRP: $100|Avg: $20
97%
#948
A10-6790B
MSRP: $122|Avg: $50
97%
#949
Core i3-6100TE
MSRP: $250|Avg: $90
96%
#950
FX-4320
MSRP: $250|Avg: $100
96%
#951
Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition
MSRP: $990|Avg: $150
96%
#952
Celeron E1200
MSRP: $53|Avg: $98
96%
#954
Core i5-660
MSRP: $196|Avg: $150
95%
#955
Athlon II X2 250
MSRP: $87|Avg: $15
95%
#956
Core i3-2120T
MSRP: $127|Avg: $38
94%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon II X2 240e specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Athlon II X2 240e 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 1 MB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,007, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationAthlon II X2 240e
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designRegor (2009−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data1 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache128 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor117 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities410 million
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,007
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X2 240e 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.

SpecificationAthlon II X2 240e
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredAM3
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory16
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 CPUAM2+,AM3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium E5400.

SpecificationAthlon II X2 240e
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 manufacturerPentium E5400
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon II X2 240e has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45 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.

SpecificationAthlon II X2 240e
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload45 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxtrue
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionStock Cooler
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $77, the Athlon II X2 240e delivers 13 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #941 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3065 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationAthlon II X2 240e
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$77
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$77
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$35
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#941
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#3065
Release DateLaunch date20 October 2009 (16 years ago)
Release Year2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)AMD

Our Recommendation for Athlon II X2 240e

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