Athlon II X2 270u
AMD
PassMark
1,045
MSRP
$68
AVG Price
$10
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 270u is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 21 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2 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: DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,045 points. Launch price was $68.
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 270u
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Athlon II X2 270u across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Garry's Mod
Hogwarts Legacy
Honkai: Star Rail
League of Legends
Path of Exile 2
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
Red Dead Redemption 2
Rocket League
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Athlon II X2 270u specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Athlon II X2 270u 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 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 1,045, 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 300, while multi-core reaches 550. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 531.
| Specification | Athlon II X2 270u |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2 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 | 1,045 |
| Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance | 531 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 300 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 550 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon II X2 270u fits into the AM3 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR2, DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (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 270u |
|---|---|
| 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 | DDR2, DDR3 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR3-1333 |
| 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 | AMD 760G,AMD 880G,AMD 970 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
The Athlon II X2 270u is primarily designed for Office/Budget Desktop. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium E5700.
| Specification | Athlon II X2 270u |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Office/Budget 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 E5700 |
Power & Cooling
The Athlon II X2 270u 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. It ships with the Stock Cooler stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock Cooler.
| Specification | Athlon II X2 270u |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 25 Watt |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | Stock Cooler |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Stock Cooler |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $10 (MSRP: $68), the Athlon II X2 270u delivers 105 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3265 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Athlon II X2 270u |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $68 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $10 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $68 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #3265 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 21 September 2010 (15 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2010 |
| 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 | $68 |
| Release Date | 21 September 2010 (15 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Regor (2009−2013) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 3265 |
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 | 2 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 | DDR2, DDR3 |
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Our Recommendation for Athlon II X2 270u
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