CPU·Budget

Athlon II X4 600e

AMD

PassMark

1,795

MSRP

$100

AVG Price

$20

20 October 2009 (16 years ago)

45 Watt

Propus (2009−2011)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Athlon II X4 600e

4 / 4

1,795

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 X4 600e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Propus (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,795 points. Launch price was $130.

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.

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 X4 600e

#439

Core i3-10105

MSRP: $122|Avg: $90

102%

#440

Core i7-4771

MSRP: $320|Avg: $78

102%

#441

Core i3-13100E

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

102%

#442

Core i9-13900F

MSRP: $524|Avg: $536

102%

#443

Athlon 64 X2 6000+

MSRP: $450|Avg: $20

102%

#444

Pentium G840

MSRP: $64|Avg: $15

102%

#445

Processor 300

MSRP: $82|Avg: $80

101%

#446

Ryzen 7 7800X3D

MSRP: $449|Avg: $378.13

101%

#447

Ryzen 5 2600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $145

101%

#448

Core i3-4170

MSRP: $117|Avg: $40

101%

#449

Ryzen 5 2400GE

MSRP: $169|Avg: $80

101%

#450

Ryzen 5 1600X

MSRP: $249|Avg: $144

101%

#451

Celeron G3930

MSRP: $42|Avg: $25

101%

#452

Core i9-14900KS

MSRP: $749|Avg: $670

101%

#453

Athlon II X2 280

MSRP: $50|Avg: $15

101%

#454

Athlon II X4 600e

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

100%

#455

Core i7-6800K

MSRP: $434|Avg: $120

99%

#456

Core i3-3210

MSRP: $117|Avg: $25

99%

#457

Core i3-8100T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $59

99%

#458

Core i7-13700E

MSRP: $390|Avg: $380

99%

#459

A10-9700

MSRP: $169|Avg: $40

99%

#460

Athlon II X2 270

MSRP: $72|Avg: $15

99%

#461

Athlon X2 340

MSRP: $30|Avg: $15

99%

#462

Ryzen 7 PRO 5750G

MSRP: $430|Avg: $270

99%

#463

Core i3-7101E

MSRP: $117|Avg: $50

99%

#464

Athlon II X2 265

MSRP: $83|Avg: $15

98%

#465

Core i7-9700

MSRP: $333|Avg: $150

98%

#466

Core i5-13500TE

MSRP: $235|Avg: $250

98%

#467

Pentium E5200

MSRP: $84|Avg: $15

98%

#468

Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G

MSRP: $294|Avg: $76

98%

#469

Pentium G4600T

MSRP: $75|Avg: $35

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon II X4 600e across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon II X4 600e specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon II X4 600e is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Propus (2009−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.2 GHz from a base frequency of 2.2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 512 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 128 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,795, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Athlon II X4 600e
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Propus (2009−2011)
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	512 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	169 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	300 million
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,795

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X4 600e 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 DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Athlon II X4 600e
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	DDR3-1333
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	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	Socket AM3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Athlon II X4 600e
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	AMD-V

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon II X4 600e has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Athlon II X4 600e
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	45 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $20 (MSRP: $100), the Athlon II X4 600e delivers 90 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2678 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon II X4 600e
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$100
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$20
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$130
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2678
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

Type	desktop
Designer	AMD
Launch Price	$130
Release Date	20 October 2009 (16 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Propus (2009−2011)
Performance Ranking Position	2678

Technical Specifications

12 specs

Cores	4
Threads	4
Die Size	169 mm2
L1 Cache	128 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	512 kB (per core)
L3 Cache	0 kB
Max Frequency	2.2 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.2 GHz
Transistor Count	300 million
Process Technology	45 nm
Windows 11 Compatible	-