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Overview

The Athlon II X4 615e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 21 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Propus (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 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: 2,018 points. Launch price was $59.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon II X4 615e is positioned at rank #983 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 615e

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

28729%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

27147%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

19711%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

5938%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

4704%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

4115%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

2357%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

2326%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

2118%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

2118%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

2094%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

2037%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

2009%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

2001%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1983%

#304

Core i7-6950X

MSRP: $1723|Avg: $180

94%

#983

Athlon II X4 615e

MSRP: $186|Avg: $30

100%

#984

Athlon X2 BE-2350

MSRP: $90|Avg: $10

100%

#985

Core 2 Quad Q8300

MSRP: $179|Avg: $10

99%

#986

Core i7-860

MSRP: $284|Avg: $30

98%

#987

Core i7-870

MSRP: $300|Avg: $80

97%

#988

Athlon 64 X2 5000+

MSRP: $136|Avg: $42

97%

#989

Core i3-6102E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $35

96%

#990

Pentium Dual-Core E2160

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

96%

#991

Pentium Dual-Core E2210

MSRP: $98|Avg: $15

95%

#992

Core 2 Duo E7500

MSRP: $113|Avg: $10

94%

#993

Core 2 Quad Q9505

MSRP: $213|Avg: $150

94%

#996

Core i7-930

MSRP: $294|Avg: $20

94%

#997

Core i7-920

MSRP: $284|Avg: $79

93%

#998

Core i7-4960X

MSRP: $990|Avg: $136

93%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon II X4 615e across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon II X4 615e specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon II X4 615e 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 2.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2.5 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 2,018, 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 331, while multi-core reaches 1,161. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 1,161.

Specification	Athlon II X4 615e
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.5 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	2,018
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	1,161
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	331
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,161

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X4 615e 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 615e
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	AMD 870,AMD 880G,AMD 890FX,AMD 990FX
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Athlon II X4 615e is primarily designed for Gaming. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300.

Specification	Athlon II X4 615e
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Gaming
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	AMD-V
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon II X4 615e 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: Tower 120mm.

Specification	Athlon II X4 615e
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	45 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Tower 120mm

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $30 (MSRP: $186), the Athlon II X4 615e delivers 67 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #983 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2579 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon II X4 615e
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$186
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$30
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$59
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#983
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2579
Release DateLaunch date	21 September 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD