Phenom II X2 B53
AMD
PassMark
1,137
MSRP
$150
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 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. 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 Phenom II X2 B53
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Phenom II X2 B53 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Call of Duty: Warzone
Counter-Strike 2
Cyberpunk 2077
Dead by Daylight
Destiny 2
Euro Truck Simulator 2
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Path of Exile 2
Project Zomboid
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. 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 |
| 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 |
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 | Callisto (2009−2010) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 2994 |
Technical Specifications
12 specs
Technical Specifications
12 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 2 |
| Die Size | 258 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 128 kB (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) |
| Max Frequency | 2.8 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.8 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 758 million |
| Process Technology | 45 nm |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | AM3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 80 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
1 spec
Memory
1 spec
| RAM Types | DDR3 |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
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AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for Phenom II X2 B53
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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