
Athlon X2 QL-66
AMD
PassMark
1,695
MSRP
$150
AVG Price
$5
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-66 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: 2.2 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1g2. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,695 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-66 is positioned at rank #1048 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 QL-66
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Athlon X2 QL-66 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Athlon X2 QL-66 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 2.2 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 1,695, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Athlon X2 QL-66 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2.2 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Lion (2008−2009) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 65 nm |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 1 MB |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 256 kB |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 3600 MHz |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 1,695 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon X2 QL-66 fits into the S1g2 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage.
| Specification | Athlon X2 QL-66 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | 2x AMD Athlon |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | S1g2 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 2.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 0 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR2-667 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 8 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 S1 |
Power & Cooling
The Athlon X2 QL-66 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.
| Specification | Athlon X2 QL-66 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 1 MB |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $5 (MSRP: $150), the Athlon X2 QL-66 delivers 339 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1048 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3288 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Athlon X2 QL-66 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $150 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $5 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $149 |
| Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking | #1048 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #3288 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2009-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2009 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | AMD |
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