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 Phenom II X2 B53 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Callisto (2009−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,137 points. Launch price was $149.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Phenom II X2 B53 is positioned at rank #1038 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 Phenom II X2 B53

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

41123%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

38858%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

28214%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

8500%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

6733%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

5890%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

3373%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

3329%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

3031%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

3031%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

2997%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

2916%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

2876%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

2864%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

2838%

#1038

Phenom II X2 B53

MSRP: $150|Avg: $15

100%

#1039

Core 2 Quad Q9300

MSRP: $266|Avg: $27

100%

#1040

Athlon II X4 638

MSRP: $300|Avg: $280

99%

#1041

Core 2 Duo E7200

MSRP: $133|Avg: $133

99%

#1043

Phenom X3 8750

MSRP: $195|Avg: $20

98%

#1044

Pentium G4400TE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $250

96%

#1045

Celeron 2.60

MSRP: $53|Avg: $10

96%

#1046

Core i7-990X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $225

94%

#1047

Phenom X4 9750B

MSRP: $215|Avg: $34

93%

#1048

Core 2 Duo E8200

MSRP: $163|Avg: $20

93%

#1049

Core 2 Quad Q9450

MSRP: $316|Avg: $15

92%

#1050

Core 2 Duo E8600

MSRP: $200|Avg: $95

91%

#1051

Core 2 Duo E6320

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

90%

#1052

Core i7-980X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $150

90%

#1053

Athlon 64 X2 3600+

MSRP: $150|Avg: $10

90%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Phenom II X2 B53 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Phenom II X2 B53 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Phenom II X2 B53 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Callisto (2009−2010) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.8 GHz from a base frequency of 2.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 6 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 512 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 128 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,137, 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 300, while multi-core reaches 550.

Specification	Phenom II X2 B53
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Callisto (2009−2010)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	6 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	512 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	258 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	758 million
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,137
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	300
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	550

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Phenom II X2 B53 fits into the AM3 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.

Specification	Phenom II X2 B53
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	AM3
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	Yes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	AM3,AM2+
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

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

Specification	Phenom II X2 B53
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	Yes

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Phenom II X2 B53 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 80 Watt — 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.

Specification	Phenom II X2 B53
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	80 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $150), the Phenom II X2 B53 delivers 76 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1038 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2994 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Phenom II X2 B53
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$150
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	#1038
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2994
Release DateLaunch date	2009-01-01
Release Year	2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	GlobalFoundries