AMD Athlon II X2 255
AMD processor specifications and benchmark scores
Integrated GPUAt a Glance
AMDAMD Athlon II X2 255 Specifications
Athlon II X2 255 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The AMD Athlon II X2 255 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 255 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Athlon II X2 255 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 255 by AMD can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
AMD's Athlon II X2 255 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the Athlon II X2 255 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 255'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 255 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 255 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 255 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 255 Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The AMD Athlon II X2 255 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 255 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 255 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 255 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 255 Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The AMD Athlon II X2 255 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 255 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 255 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The AMD Athlon II X2 255 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 255 by AMD offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within AMD's product lineup.
Athlon II X2 255 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 255 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 255. 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 255. 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 255 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 255 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 255
The AMD Athlon II X2 255 is a 2-core, 2-thread desktop processor from AMD's K10/Regor family. It runs at a base clock of 3.10 GHz with no boost clock, uses a 65 W TDP, and fits AMD Socket AM3. Built on a 45 nm process with 410 million transistors in a 117 mm² die, it carries 128 KB of L1 cache and 1 MB of L2 cache with no L3. Released on 2010-01-24, it is now end-of-life. The database puts its average benchmark score at 353, which is the 3rd percentile of all CPUs.
How It Compares
Against the Intel Core i3-350M, the X2 255 is essentially a tie. The i3-350M has an average score of 353, matching the X2 255, and the delta is 0.1%. No meaningful performance separation exists between these two in the aggregate benchmark data.
Against the Intel Pentium E6700, the X2 255 trails by 0.5%. The Pentium averages 355 points, while the X2 255's average is 353. That is within the kind of variation seen between runs of the same CPU, so the sensible reading is that both chips occupy the same performance bracket.
Against the AMD Athlon II X2 240e, the X2 255 is 0.6% behind. The 240e averages 355 points. The delta is tiny, so the two AMD parts are effectively interchangeable in the database's scoring.
Against the AMD Athlon II X2 250e, the X2 255 is 0.6% ahead. The 250e averages 351 points. The direction changes, but the magnitude does not: this is another near-identical result. The X2 255 sits in a cluster where rival average scores range from 351 to 355.
Power and Thermals
With a 65 W TDP, the X2 255 belongs in the low-power desktop class. A CPU of this class does not need an exotic cooling setup. A basic air cooler, even a low-profile or stock-style unit, is capable of handling the heat output. The absence of a boost clock means there is no high-frequency burst state that creates short power spikes; the CPU runs at 3.10 GHz as its upper limit.
The 45 nm process and the small 2-core die keep heat density modest. The cache layout is small as well: 128 KB L1 and 1 MB L2, with no L3. The die is 117 mm², which is consistent with a low thermal envelope. The part number ADX255OCK23GQ identifies the CPU for compatibility checks.
Who Should Consider It
The X2 255 is a desktop chip at the bottom of the overall performance ranking. Its 3rd percentile placement means it only makes sense for workloads that are extremely light or legacy.
Office-style use is the most realistic scenario. The 3.10 GHz base clock is workable for basic document editing, spreadsheets, and web-based tasks. However, the low single-core scores — 60 in Cinebench R20 and 145 in Cinebench R23 — mean the CPU will feel slow in any interface that relies on heavy scripting or modern rendering.
Gaming is not a realistic option for current titles. The same low single-core figures and the 2-thread limitation will bottleneck any demanding game. Older or less demanding games may be acceptable, but the benchmark data does not support high expectations.
Content creation is poorly served. The multi-core results — 103 in Cinebench R15, 431 in Cinebench R20, and 1027 in Cinebench R23 — are far below what rendering and encoding workloads need. A user who occasionally runs such tasks may wait through them, but anyone doing them regularly should not choose this CPU.
Because the multiplier is locked, there is no easy performance tuning via ratio changes. Anyone considering this CPU should have an existing AM3 motherboard or a specific need for a 65 W, 2-thread AM3 processor.
FAQ
Q: Does the Athlon II X2 255 support simultaneous multithreading?
A: No. It has 2 cores and 2 threads, so each core provides one thread.
Q: Can the CPU boost its clock above the base frequency?
A: No. The fact pack lists a base clock of 3.10 GHz and no boost clock, so the operating frequency is fixed at 3.10 GHz.
Q: What memory does it support?
A: It supports DDR3 over a dual-channel memory bus. ECC memory is not supported.
Q: Does it have integrated graphics?
A: The CPU itself does not list integrated graphics. The fact pack notes integrated graphics are available "on certain motherboards (Chipset feature)," meaning display output depends on the motherboard chipset.
Q: Is the CPU overclockable via multiplier?
A: No. The multiplier unlocked field is false, so the multiplier is locked.
Q: What is the part number?
A: The part number is ADX255OCK23GQ.
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior
The X2 255's benchmark profile has a sharp split between single-core and multi-core results. Cinebench R20 returns 60 for single-core and 431 for multi-core. Cinebench R23 returns 145 for single-core and 1027 for multi-core. The multi-core figures are several times larger than the single-core figures, so software that can use both threads gets a clear throughput advantage over single-threaded software.
In the R15 test, only a multi-core result is listed, at 103. That low number reinforces the overall message: even with both threads active, absolute performance is low.
Because this is a 2-thread part, multi-core scaling has a hard ceiling. Once both threads are occupied, adding more background work will cause contention rather than throughput gain. For real workloads, the single-thread performance determines how responsive the system feels for day-to-day actions, while the multi-thread performance determines how quickly a job that can be parallelized finishes. Neither number is high in absolute terms.
Another factor is the lack of a boost clock. A fixed 3.10 GHz upper frequency means single-thread workloads get no temporary frequency lift, so the CPU cannot hide behind burst behavior.
Platform and Compatibility
The X2 255 uses AMD Socket AM3. Its memory controller supports DDR3 in dual-channel mode, and ECC memory is not enabled. PCIe support is Gen 2.
The CPU has no L3 cache; the cache hierarchy is 128 KB L1 and 1 MB L2. The integrated graphics situation is motherboard-dependent: the fact pack lists integrated graphics as "on certain motherboards (Chipset feature)," so a board with the right chipset is needed for display output without a separate graphics card.
Because the production status is end-of-life and the socket is AM3, any upgrade path would involve another AM3-compatible processor from the same platform era. The fact pack does not list specific compatible replacements, and the locked multiplier closes off the common overclocking route. The part number ADX255OCK23GQ can be used to identify the CPU for compatibility checks.
The Intel Equivalent of Athlon II X2 255
Looking for a similar processor from Intel? The Intel Core i5-670 offers comparable performance and features in the Intel lineup.
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