AMD Athlon II X2 280
AMD processor specifications and benchmark scores
AMD Athlon II X2 280 Specifications
Athlon II X2 280 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The AMD Athlon II X2 280 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 280 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Athlon II X2 280 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 280 by AMD can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
AMD's Athlon II X2 280 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the Athlon II X2 280 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 280'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 280 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 280 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 280 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 280 Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The AMD Athlon II X2 280 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 280 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 280 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 280 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 280 Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The AMD Athlon II X2 280 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 280 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 280 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The AMD Athlon II X2 280 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 280 by AMD offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within AMD's product lineup.
Athlon II X2 280 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 280 performs in parallel rendering workloads.
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 280. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors. Content creators and 3D artists use this benchmark to estimate real-world render performance.
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 280. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs. Single-thread performance remains critical for gaming and applications with serial bottlenecks.
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 280 after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss. Professional users rely on R23 scores to predict real-world rendering performance under sustained workloads.
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how AMD Athlon II X2 280 maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance. This score is particularly important for understanding real-world responsiveness beyond initial boost behavior.
About AMD Athlon II X2 280
The AMD Athlon II X2 280 processor, a modest two‑core gem from AMD’s Athlon II family, invites a closer look. With both cores active simultaneously, it delivers true dual‑threaded performance, which raises the question: can a 2‑core chip still feel responsive in today’s multitasking world? Its base clock of 3.60 GHz pushes each core hard, while the lack of a turbo boost means the frequency stays steady under load, simplifying power budgeting. At just 65 W TDP, the chip balances performance and energy draw, making it a friendly choice for compact builds that still need some muscle. The silicon houses 64 KB of L1 instruction and 64 KB of L1 data per core, a 512 KB L2 cache per core (total 1 MB), and, notably, no L3 cache, prompting curiosity about how the cache hierarchy impacts real‑world speed.
When put through the Cinebench R23 suite, the dual‑core unit scores 1,151 points in the multi‑core test, which surprisingly outpaces many entry‑level quad‑core chips and begs the question of how much raw math power this modest socket AM3 part really holds. Its single‑core R23 score of 162 points shows that, despite the high clock, the architecture’s per‑core efficiency trails newer designs, leading one to wonder if the chip is best suited for workloads that can spread across two threads. Earlier benchmarks, such as Cinebench R20, record 483 multi‑core and 68 single‑core points, reinforcing the pattern that the processor shines when both cores are engaged. Power consumption stays near the rated 65 W even at full load, which is reassuring for users who value a quiet, cool system without demanding a massive cooling solution. Considering these figures, the processor excels in specific scenarios, as highlighted in the following list:
- Light to moderate photo editing where two threads can handle RAW conversion and filter application concurrently.
- Home‑theater PCs that stream video while running background tasks like subtitle fetching or simple transcoding.
- Classic gaming titles from the early 2010s that rely on dual‑core performance rather than heavy multi‑core demands.
So, does the AMD Athlon II X2 280 processor still have a place in modern builds? For users who prioritize low power draw, modest heat output, and reliable dual‑threaded capability, the answer leans toward a confident yes. Its predictable 3.6 GHz clock and straightforward thermal envelope make system design simple, especially for compact HTPC or budget office machines. While it lacks the massive caches and turbo engines of today’s mainstream CPUs, its 1 MB L2 cache provides enough bandwidth for the targeted workloads mentioned above. If your daily routine includes web browsing with several tabs, office suites, and occasional media conversion, this chip can deliver a smooth experience without demanding a pricey cooling rig. Ultimately, this processor proves that a well‑balanced, energy‑efficient duo‑core processor can still answer the call for specific, light‑to‑moderate tasks in a world dominated by cores.
The Intel Equivalent of Athlon II X2 280
Looking for a similar processor from Intel? The Intel Core i5-3439Y offers comparable performance and features in the Intel lineup.
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