AMD Athlon II X2 240
AMD processor specifications and benchmark scores
Integrated GPUAt a Glance
AMDAMD 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.
Top 5 Performers
Top 5 PerformersNearby Performers
Nearby Performerscinebench_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.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
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.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
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.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
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.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
About AMD Athlon II X2 240
The AMD Athlon II X2 240 is a dual-core desktop processor from the K10 architecture family, built on a 45 nm process with a 65 W TDP. It operates at a fixed base clock of 2.80 GHz with no boost capability, and its benchmark data places it in the lowest performance percentile among all CPUs, with an average score of 308. The following analysis examines its position against direct rivals, its thermal profile, platform compatibility, and the workloads for which it remains relevant.
How It Compares
The Athlon II X2 240 sits in a tight cluster of low-end processors, with its nearest rival being the Intel Celeron G530T. The two chips share an identical average benchmark score of 308, with the Athlon trailing by a negligible 0.1%. In practical terms, this means the two processors are functionally interchangeable for single-threaded and lightly threaded tasks, though the Celeron holds a marginal edge that would be imperceptible in real-world usage.
Against the Intel Pentium E5500, the Athlon II X2 240 falls behind by 0.2%, with the Pentium posting an average score of 309 versus 308. This gap is equally trivial, representing less than one point of difference in the aggregate benchmark. The Pentium's slight lead likely stems from its higher clock speed in the same dual-core configuration, but the margin is so small that neither processor offers a meaningful advantage over the other in everyday applications.
The AMD A4-3300M, a mobile-oriented part, scores 310 on average, putting it 0.5% ahead of the Athlon II X2 240. Despite being designed for laptops, the A4-3300M outperforms this desktop chip by a hair, likely due to architectural refinements or slightly higher boost clocks in its mobile power envelope. Still, a 0.5% delta is well within benchmark noise and does not translate into a perceptible performance difference.
The only rival where the Athlon II X2 240 comes out ahead is the Intel Celeron N2940, which averages 305 points. Here, the AMD chip leads by 0.9%, a slightly larger margin than the other comparisons but still modest. The N2940 is a quad-core Bay Trail part, yet its lower per-core efficiency and lower clocks allow the dual-core Athlon to edge it out in the aggregate benchmark, which favors sustained multi-core throughput over raw core count.
Power and Thermals
The Athlon II X2 240 carries a 65 W TDP, which classifies it as a low-power desktop part for its era. This figure places it in the same thermal envelope as many entry-level dual-core processors, making it suitable for basic air cooling solutions. A stock cooler or a modest aftermarket air cooler would be entirely sufficient to keep this chip within operating temperatures under sustained load.
Because the processor has no boost clock, its power draw remains consistent during operation, avoiding the transient power spikes seen in boost-capable designs. The 45 nm process node, while not cutting-edge, contributes to a predictable thermal profile that does not demand advanced cooling hardware. Users pairing this chip with a compact or low-profile cooler will encounter no thermal throttling risks, as the 65 W envelope is well within the capability of even slim heatsink designs.
The absence of an unlocked multiplier means overclocking is not a supported avenue for improving performance, so thermals will remain at stock levels for the life of the processor. The 65 W TDP also implies that a basic power delivery design on the motherboard is adequate, with no need for reinforced VRM sections or additional cooling around the socket.
Platform and Compatibility
The Athlon II X2 240 uses the AMD Socket AM3 interface, which provides compatibility with a wide range of motherboards from the late 2000s and early 2010s. The chip supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, though the FACT PACK does not specify a maximum supported speed or capacity. This memory support aligns with the platform's 2009 release timeframe, when DDR3 was becoming the standard for desktop systems.
PCIe Gen 2 is the available expansion interface, offering sufficient bandwidth for graphics cards and storage devices from that generation. The processor does not include integrated graphics; instead, display output is contingent on "certain motherboards" that incorporate a chipset-based GPU. This means a discrete graphics card is required for any visual output on most AM3 boards, unless the specific motherboard model includes an integrated video solution as a chipset feature.
The upgrade path from this processor is limited by its end-of-life production status and the aging AM3 platform. Users on this socket can potentially move to higher-tier AM3 processors, but the FACT PACK does not enumerate specific compatible upgrade options. The lack of an unlocked multiplier also restricts tuning flexibility, and ECC memory is not supported, which excludes this chip from error-correcting workstation builds. The part number ADX240OCK23GQ identifies this specific SKU, and the 410 million transistors on a 117 mm² die reflect the modest complexity of this dual-core design.
FAQ
Q: Does the AMD Athlon II X2 240 have a boost clock?
A: No, the processor has a fixed base clock of 2.80 GHz and no boost clock capability, meaning it operates at a constant frequency under all conditions.
Q: How does it compare to the Intel Celeron G530T?
A: The two processors have identical average benchmark scores of 308, with the Athlon trailing by 0.1%, making them effectively equal in performance.
Q: What memory type does this processor support?
A: It supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, but ECC memory is not supported.
Q: Is integrated graphics included with this CPU?
A: No integrated graphics are built into the processor itself; however, certain motherboards with a chipset-based GPU feature can provide display output.
Q: Can this processor be overclocked?
A: No, the multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not supported.
Q: What is the production status of the Athlon II X2 240?
A: It is end-of-life, having been released on 2009-07-22, and is no longer in active production.
Who Should Consider It
The Athlon II X2 240 is best suited for basic office productivity and light web browsing, where its dual-core, dual-thread configuration at 2.80 GHz is adequate for word processing, spreadsheet work, and email. Its Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 90 and R20 multi-core score of 375 indicate that it can handle single-threaded office applications without significant lag, though multitasking with many simultaneous applications will strain its limited thread count.
For gaming, this processor is not a viable option for modern titles. Its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 126 and multi-core score of 895 place it far below the thresholds required for contemporary game engines, which typically demand at least four physical cores and higher per-core performance. Even older games from its 2009 release era would run at low settings and resolutions, and the lack of integrated graphics means a discrete GPU is mandatory, further limiting its appeal for budget gaming builds.
Content creation workloads, such as video editing, 3D rendering, or large-scale photo manipulation, are beyond the capabilities of this chip. The multi-core scores across all Cinebench versions—90 in R15, 375 in R20, and 895 in R23—reflect a processor that is roughly an order of magnitude slower than modern entry-level CPUs, making any rendering task impractically slow. The 1st percentile ranking among all CPUs reinforces that this is a legacy part for legacy tasks.
The most appropriate use case is a secondary or backup machine for word processing, legacy software, or as a basic home server running lightweight services. Its 65 W TDP ensures low operating costs in terms of cooling requirements, and its AM3 platform supports DDR3 memory, which is inexpensive to source used. However, given its end-of-life status and the availability of far faster used processors on the same socket, the Athlon II X2 240 should only be considered by users who already own a compatible motherboard and require a minimal, low-power drop-in replacement.
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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