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. The Athlon II X2 280 is positioned at rank #638 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 280

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

11502%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

10869%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

7892%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

2377%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

1883%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1647%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

944%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

931%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

848%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

848%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

838%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

816%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

804%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

801%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

794%

#387

Ryzen Embedded V1807B

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

99%

#638

Athlon II X2 280

MSRP: $50|Avg: $15

100%

#639

FX-8300

MSRP: $197|Avg: $50

100%

#640

Celeron G540T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

100%

#641

Core i5-6600

MSRP: $224|Avg: $90

100%

#642

Core i5-4460

MSRP: $182|Avg: $40

100%

#645

Core i3-4170T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $17

99%

#646

FX-8370E

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

99%

#647

Core i5-4590S

MSRP: $192|Avg: $45

99%

#648

Pentium G2020

MSRP: $64|Avg: $15

98%

#649

Pentium G3450

MSRP: $82|Avg: $25

98%

#650

Core i7-6700

MSRP: $303|Avg: $143

98%

#651

Athlon II X4 631

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

98%

#652

Pentium G3240T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $15

98%

#653

Core i3-4160T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $18

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon II X2 280 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

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. It currently holds Rank #638 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#638
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