Athlon X2 QL-64
CPU·Budget

Athlon X2 QL-64

AMD

PassMark

1,614

MSRP

$50

AVG Price

$15

2009-01-01
1 MB
Lion (2008−2009)

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 QL-64 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Lion (2008−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,614 points. Launch price was $149.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon X2 QL-64 is positioned at rank #665 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 QL-64

#653
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
909%
#654
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
896%
#655
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
822%
#656
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
818%
#657
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
811%
#659
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
783%
#660
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
751%
#661
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
750%
#662
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
730%
#665
Athlon X2 QL-64
MSRP: $50|Avg: $15
100%
#666
Core 3 N350
MSRP: $225|Avg: $220
100%
#668
FX-7500
MSRP: $100|Avg: $25
99%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon X2 QL-64 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Athlon X2 QL-64 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Lion (2008−2009) architecture, manufactured on a 65 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 1 MB of L2 cache and 256 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,614, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationAthlon X2 QL-64
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designLion (2008−2009)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient65 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data1 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache256 kB
Bus SpeedData bus frequency3600 MHz
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,614
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon X2 QL-64 fits into the S1 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage.

SpecificationAthlon X2 QL-64
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct family2x AMD Athlon
SocketMotherboard socket requiredS1
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion0
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR2-667
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory8 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorNo
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUSocket S1
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🔧

Advanced Features

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

SpecificationAthlon X2 QL-64
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyAMD-V
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon X2 QL-64 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 1 MB — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Laptop Grade.

SpecificationAthlon X2 QL-64
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload1 MB
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionLaptop Grade
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $50), the Athlon X2 QL-64 delivers 108 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #665 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3306 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationAthlon X2 QL-64
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$50
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#665
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#3306
Release DateLaunch date2009-01-01
Release Year2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)AMD

Similar Performance

Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.

Our Recommendation for Athlon X2 QL-64

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Compare Athlon X2 QL-64

See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives

Compare with other CPUs