Athlon II X2 280
AMD
PassMark
1,355
MSRP
$50
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 280 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 February 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,355 points. Launch price was $100.
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 280
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Athlon II X2 280 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Among Us
ARC Raiders
Civilization VI
Counter-Strike 2
Deadlock
Honkai: Star Rail
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Monster Hunter Wilds
Palworld
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Athlon II X2 280 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Athlon II X2 280 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 3.6 GHz from a base frequency of 3.6 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 1,355, 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 290, while multi-core reaches 550.
| Specification | Athlon II X2 280 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.6 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3.6 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 | 1,355 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 290 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 550 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon II X2 280 fits into the AM3 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 0 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). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.
| Specification | Athlon II X2 280 |
|---|---|
| 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 | 0 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | No |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | 870,880G,890GX,890FX,970,990X,990FX |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
The Athlon II X2 280 is primarily designed for Legacy Desktop. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium E6700.
| Specification | Athlon II X2 280 |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Legacy 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 E6700 |
Power & Cooling
The Athlon II X2 280 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 Stock stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Air Cooler.
| Specification | Athlon II X2 280 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 65 Watt |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | Stock |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Air Cooler |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $50), the Athlon II X2 280 delivers 90 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2857 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Athlon II X2 280 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $50 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $15 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $100 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #2857 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 6 February 2013 (12 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2013 |
| 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 | $100 |
| Release Date | 6 February 2013 (12 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Regor (2009−2013) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 2857 |
Technical Specifications
12 specs
Technical Specifications
12 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 2 |
| Die Size | 117 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 128 kB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB |
| Max Frequency | 3.6 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 3.6 GHz |
| 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) | 65 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 280
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High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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