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. The Athlon II X2 250u is positioned at rank #891 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 250u

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

20007%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

18905%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

13727%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

4135%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

3276%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

2865%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1641%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1620%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1475%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1475%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1458%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1419%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1399%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1393%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1381%

#299

Core i9-7980XE

MSRP: $1999|Avg: $300

95%

#891

Athlon II X2 250u

MSRP: $60|Avg: $15

100%

#892

Core i3-2125

MSRP: $134|Avg: $15

100%

#893

Pentium G6951

MSRP: $89|Avg: $50

100%

#895

Celeron G1820

MSRP: $110|Avg: $15

99%

#896

Celeron E1600

MSRP: $53|Avg: $10

99%

#897

Athlon II X2 270u

MSRP: $68|Avg: $10

99%

#898

Core i5-4570TE

MSRP: $202|Avg: $40

98%

#899

Core i3-2130

MSRP: $138|Avg: $138

96%

#902

Core i3-6100E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $50

95%

#903

Core i3-4330TE

MSRP: $138|Avg: $15

94%

#904

Pentium E5700

MSRP: $75|Avg: $15

94%

#906

Athlon II X3 420e

MSRP: $107|Avg: $15

93%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon II X2 250u across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

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. It currently holds Rank #891 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#891
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