Athlon X2 450
AMD
PassMark
1,295
MSRP
$60
AVG Price
$15
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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 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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon X2 450
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Athlon X2 450 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Among Us
ARC Raiders
Counter-Strike 2
Grand Theft Auto V
Honkai: Star Rail
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Naraka: Bladepoint
Path of Exile 2
Phasmophobia
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. 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 |
| 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 |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Designer | AMD |
| Launch Price | $149 |
| Manufacturer | GlobalFoundries |
| Release Date | 2009-01-01 |
| Architecture Codename | Kaveri (2014−2015) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 2891 |
Technical Specifications
12 specs
Technical Specifications
12 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 2 |
| Die Size | 245 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 128K |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (total) |
| Max Frequency | 3.9 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 3.5 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 2,411 million |
| Process Technology | 28 nm |
| Unlocked Multiplier | + |
| Max Case Temperature (TCase) | 72 °C |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | FM2+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 65 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
1 spec
Memory
1 spec
| RAM Types | DDR3-1866 |
Similar Performance
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Our Recommendation for Athlon X2 450
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Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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