AMD Athlon II X2 240
AMD processor specifications and benchmark scores
AMD Athlon II X2 240 Specifications
Athlon II X2 240 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The AMD Athlon II X2 240 features 2 physical cores and 2 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
Athlon II X2 240 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Athlon II X2 240 benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Athlon II X2 240 by AMD can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
AMD's Athlon II X2 240 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the Athlon II X2 240 processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Athlon II X2 240's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
K10 Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The AMD Athlon II X2 240 is built on AMD's 45 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in Athlon II X2 240 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
K10 Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Athlon II X2 240 by AMD supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
Athlon II X2 240 Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The AMD Athlon II X2 240 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
AMD Socket AM3 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Athlon II X2 240 uses the AMD Socket AM3 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
AMD Socket AM3 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the Athlon II X2 240 define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Athlon II X2 240 determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
AMD's Athlon II X2 240 Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The AMD Athlon II X2 240 includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the Athlon II X2 240 provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.
Athlon II X2 240 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The AMD Athlon II X2 240 is manufactured by AMD and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Athlon II X2 240 by AMD offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within AMD's product lineup.
Athlon II X2 240 Benchmark Scores
cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource
Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how AMD Athlon II X2 240 performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. The R15 version remains useful for comparing against older hardware benchmarks. Higher scores directly correlate with faster render times in Cinema 4D and similar 3D applications.
cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource
Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on AMD Athlon II X2 240. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors.
cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of AMD Athlon II X2 240. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs.
cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource
Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of AMD Athlon II X2 240 after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss.
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how AMD Athlon II X2 240 maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance.
About AMD Athlon II X2 240
The AMD Athlon II X2 240 chip delivers a modest but reliable performance envelope for everyday computing. Clocked at 2.80 GHz on a 45 nm process, its two cores can handle office suites, web browsing, and media playback without breaking a sweat. In Cinebench R23 multi‑core tests it scores around 895 points, which translates to decent multitasking for a budget‑oriented part. Single‑core scores hover near 126 points, meaning legacy applications that aren’t threaded still run smoothly. The 65 W TDP keeps power draw low, so you won’t see your electricity bill spike during long work sessions. Overall, the processor feels snappy for its class, though you’ll notice a ceiling when pushing into heavy content‑creation workloads.
When it comes to gaming, the Athlon II X2 240 dual‑core is more of a nostalgic relic than a modern contender. Its 2.8 GHz clock can push older titles like Counter‑Strike: Source or early indie games at playable frame rates at 720p. However, the Cinebench R20 multi‑core score of 375 points hints at limited headroom for newer engines that rely on higher core counts. Expect to dial down settings to low or medium in anything beyond the 2010 era, especially if you pair it with a mid‑range GPU. The integrated memory controller on the AM3 socket still supports DDR2 up to 1066 MHz, which can be a bottleneck for texture‑heavy games. If you’re into esports titles that favor high clock speeds over cores, you might squeeze out 40 50 fps, but anything AAA will feel cramped.
From a price‑to‑performance angle, AMD's 240 dual‑core offers one of the cheapest entry points into a functional PC build. You can pair it with a used DDR2 kit and a modest graphics card for under $150, making it attractive for students or hobbyists on a shoestring budget. The low 65 W power envelope also means you can run it in compact cases with small, quiet coolers, saving on both space and noise. While the Cinebench R15 multi‑core result of just 90 points looks tiny next to modern CPUs, it’s sufficient for light video encoding or basic photo editing. The chip’s longevity is bolstered by the fact that it sits on the widely supported AM3 platform, so you can upgrade the GPU without swapping the motherboard. In short, the value proposition shines when you prioritize cost and energy efficiency over raw horsepower.
The AMD Athlon II X2 240 chip lives on the AM3 socket, which means it’s compatible with a broad range of legacy motherboards that still accept DDR2 memory. If you have an AM3+ board, the processor will work, but you won’t benefit from the higher‑speed memory lanes that newer CPUs exploit. BIOS updates are often required for stable operation, especially on boards that were originally shipped with earlier Athlon models. Because it’s a 45 nm part, you’ll find plenty of aftermarket coolers that fit the standard socket dimensions without needing custom brackets. The processor does not support newer instruction sets like AVX, so software that leans heavily on those extensions will run slower or be unsupported. Overall, the compatibility landscape is forgiving, making the 240 a safe pick for refurbishing older rigs or building a low‑cost test machine.
The Intel Equivalent of Athlon II X2 240
Looking for a similar processor from Intel? The Intel Core i5-750 offers comparable performance and features in the Intel lineup.
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