Athlon II X2 250u
AMD
PassMark
935
MSRP
$60
AVG Price
$15
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 250u 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. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 935 points. Launch price was $35.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon II X2 250u
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Athlon II X2 250u across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Among Us
ARC Raiders
Call of Duty: Warzone
Counter-Strike 2
Hogwarts Legacy
League of Legends
Once Human
Path of Exile 2
Phasmophobia
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Athlon II X2 250u specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Athlon II X2 250u 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 1.6 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 935, 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 222, while multi-core reaches 423.
| Specification | Athlon II X2 250u |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 1.6 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 | 1 MB |
| 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 | 935 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 222 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 423 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon II X2 250u 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 8 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).
| Specification | Athlon II X2 250u |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | No |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | 760G,785G |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
The Athlon II X2 250u is primarily designed for Low Power Desktop. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Core 2 Duo E7500.
| Specification | Athlon II X2 250u |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Low Power 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 | Core 2 Duo E7500 |
Power & Cooling
The Athlon II X2 250u has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 25 Watt — 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: Stock.
| Specification | Athlon II X2 250u |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 25 Watt |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | None |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Stock |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $60), the Athlon II X2 250u delivers 62 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3309 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Athlon II X2 250u |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $60 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $15 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $35 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #3309 |
| 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
General Information
6 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Designer | AMD |
| Launch Price | $35 |
| Release Date | 20 October 2009 (16 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Regor (2009−2013) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 3309 |
Technical Specifications
11 specs
Technical Specifications
11 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 2 |
| Die Size | 117 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 128 kB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB |
| Max Frequency | 1.6 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Transistor Count | 410 million |
| Process Technology | 45 nm |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | AM3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 25 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
1 spec
Memory
1 spec
| RAM Types | DDR3 |
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Our Recommendation for Athlon II X2 250u
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