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. The Athlon II X4 600e is positioned at rank #842 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 X4 600e

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

17366%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

16409%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

11914%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

3589%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2843%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

2487%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1425%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1406%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1280%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1280%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1266%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1232%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1214%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1209%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1198%

#842

Athlon II X4 600e

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

100%

#843

Core i7-4785T

MSRP: $306|Avg: $32

100%

#844

Core i5-6442EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

100%

#845

Core i5-4690S

MSRP: $306|Avg: $189

100%

#846

Core i3-3250

MSRP: $138|Avg: $40

99%

#847

Core i3-3240

MSRP: $132|Avg: $15

99%

#848

Pentium G640T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $69

99%

#849

Core i7-5930K

MSRP: $583|Avg: $410

99%

#851

Core i3-3240T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $8

99%

#852

Athlon II X2 240

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

98%

#854

Core i5-2500S

MSRP: $192|Avg: $61

98%

#855

Athlon X2 BE-2400

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

97%

#857

Core i3-2102

MSRP: $117|Avg: $15

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. It currently holds Rank #842 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#842
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