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 X2 450 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,295 points. Launch price was $149.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon X2 450 is positioned at rank #760 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 X2 450

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

14445%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

13649%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

9910%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

2985%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2365%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

2069%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1185%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1169%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1065%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1065%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1053%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1024%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1010%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1006%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

997%

#291

Core i9-7900X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $188

97%

#760

Athlon X2 450

MSRP: $60|Avg: $15

100%

#761

Athlon II X3 450

MSRP: $87|Avg: $15

99%

#762

Core i7-4790

MSRP: $339|Avg: $60

99%

#763

Pentium G640

MSRP: $64|Avg: $5

99%

#764

Pentium G840

MSRP: $64|Avg: $15

99%

#765

Core i5-6440EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $150

99%

#767

Core i5-4590T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $130

98%

#769

Celeron G530T

MSRP: $50|Avg: $17

98%

#770

Core i7-4770K

MSRP: $339|Avg: $100

98%

#771

A10-9700

MSRP: $169|Avg: $40

97%

#772

Core i5-2400

MSRP: $184|Avg: $25

97%

#773

Core i7-5775C

MSRP: $366|Avg: $150

97%

#775

Pentium G2140

MSRP: $100|Avg: $95

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon X2 450 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon X2 450 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon X2 450 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture, manufactured on a 28 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.9 GHz from a base frequency of 3.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,295, 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 450, while multi-core reaches 800. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 1,500.

Specification	Athlon X2 450
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.9 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Kaveri (2014−2015)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	28 nm
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1 MB (total)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128K
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	245 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	2,411 million
64-bit Support	Yes
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,295
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	1,500
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	450
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	800

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon X2 450 fits into the FM2+ socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3-1866 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1866 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Athlon X2 450
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	FM2+
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3-1866
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1866
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	None
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	A88X,A78,A68H
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Athlon X2 450 is primarily designed for Basic Desktop. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Core i3-3220.

Specification	Athlon X2 450
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Basic 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	Core i3-3220

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon X2 450 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 Cooler stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock Cooler.

Specification	Athlon X2 450
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Stock Cooler
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock Cooler

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $60), the Athlon X2 450 delivers 86 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #760 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2891 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon X2 450
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$60
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$15
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$149
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#760
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2891
Release DateLaunch date	2009-01-01
Release Year	2014
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	GlobalFoundries