Athlon X2 QL-66
CPU·Budget

Athlon X2 QL-66

AMD

PassMark

1,695

MSRP

$150

AVG Price

$5

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-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.

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-66

#1036
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
2596%
#1037
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
2558%
#1038
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
2349%
#1039
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
2338%
#1040
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
2317%
#1042
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
2237%
#1043
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
2145%
#1044
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
2142%
#1045
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
2084%
#1048
Athlon X2 QL-66
MSRP: $150|Avg: $5
100%
#1049
Athlon II Neo K145
MSRP: $50|Avg: $10
100%
#1050
Celeron P4600
MSRP: $86|Avg: $15
99%
#1051
Core 2 Duo U7500
MSRP: $100|Avg: $10
99%
#1052
Pentium 987
MSRP: $134|Avg: $20
98%
#1053
Core i7-4910MQ
MSRP: $570|Avg: $570
98%
#1054
Pentium T4400
MSRP: $107|Avg: $5
97%
#1056
Athlon X2 QL-65
MSRP: $150|Avg: $22
96%
#1057
Pentium J2850
MSRP: $94|Avg: $94
96%
#1058
Core i7-4900MQ
MSRP: $570|Avg: $40
95%
#1059
Celeron P4505
MSRP: $86|Avg: $86
94%
#1060
Pentium Dual Core T2370
MSRP: $150|Avg: $25
94%
#1061
Pentium T4200
MSRP: $99|Avg: $10
94%
#1062
Core i7-2720QM
MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A
94%
#1063
Pentium 2020M
MSRP: $134|Avg: N/A
93%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

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.

SpecificationAthlon X2 QL-66
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designLion (2008−2009)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient65 nm
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data1 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache256 kB
Bus SpeedData bus frequency3600 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,695
🧠

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.

SpecificationAthlon X2 QL-66
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct family2x AMD Athlon
SocketMotherboard socket requiredS1g2
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 CPUAMD 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.

SpecificationAthlon X2 QL-66
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload1 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.

SpecificationAthlon 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 date2009-01-01
Release Year2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)AMD

Our Recommendation for Athlon X2 QL-66

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