AMD Athlon X2 340

The AMD Athlon X2 340 is a desktop processor from the Trinity generation, built on the Piledriver architecture and fabricated on a 32nm process at GlobalFoundries. It offers two physical cores with two threads, base and boost clocks of 3.20 GHz and 3.60 GHz respectively, and a 65W TDP. The CPU sits at the 50th percentile among all processors in the database, indicating a median performance level, though no specific benchmark scores are recorded for this part. It uses the AMD Socket FM2, supports dual-channel DDR3 memory with a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s, and has a locked multiplier.

Benchmark Performance

The database does not contain benchmark scores for the Athlon X2 340, so direct performance comparisons with specific rivals are unavailable. However, the processor's percentile ranking of 50 places it exactly at the midpoint of all CPUs in the database. This suggests that in a typical mixed workload, it performs at the level of an average desktop processor of its era. The lack of recorded scores is itself notable; many end-of-life parts have incomplete data.

With two cores and two threads, the CPU relies on clock speed rather than core count. The base clock of 3.20 GHz and boost clock of 3.60 GHz are moderate for the 2012 release period. The Piledriver architecture is the basis of the Trinity codename, and the 32nm process node from GlobalFoundries uses 1,303 million transistors on a 246 mm² die. These figures indicate a mid-range chip design, not an extreme high-performance part.

The cache hierarchy consists of a 96 KB L1 cache and a 1 MB shared L2 cache, with no L3 cache present. This limited cache capacity means that frequently accessed data may be forced to the system memory more often than with larger-cache processors. The memory interface is dual-channel DDR3 with a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s, which is sufficient for two cores but may become a constraint in memory-intensive applications.

The PCIe interface is Gen 2, which provides adequate bandwidth for a single graphics card or a couple of storage devices. The absence of ECC memory support means that this CPU is not targeted at error-correcting workloads. The processor is end-of-life, so no new performance data is being generated, and the 50th percentile is a static ranking based on historical data.

Given the absence of benchmark data, exact scores and deltas cannot be reported. The 50th percentile is the only quantitative performance indicator. It implies that the Athlon X2 340 is neither a standout performer nor a weakling; it sits squarely in the middle of the performance distribution. For a dual-core CPU from 2012, this is a plausible position given its moderate clocks and limited cache.

How It Compares

The database lists no direct rivals for the Athlon X2 340. This is common for older, end-of-life parts that were not widely benchmarked. In the absence of rival data, the 50th percentile ranking serves as a global reference point. This indicates that the CPU performs at the median level of all CPUs in the database, meaning roughly half of all processors are faster and half are slower.

Because no rival names or delta percentages are available, exact performance gaps cannot be stated. However, the percentile suggests that it will outpace lower-clocked dual-core parts but fall behind processors with higher core counts or more advanced architectures. The empty nearestRivals list means that the database has no comparative data for this CPU against any other specific model. This is not unusual for a low-volume or OEM-oriented part. The only quantitative comparison available is the percentile ranking.

The part number AD340XOKA23HJ identifies this specific SKU, and the production status is end-of-life, meaning it is no longer manufactured. For users looking at this CPU, it is likely to be found in older pre-built systems or as a replacement part for existing FM2 motherboards. Its position at the 50th percentile suggests that it is not a top-tier part, but it is also not the slowest option in the database.

When compared to the broader CPU landscape, the Athlon X2 340's lack of L3 cache is a differentiator. Many processors in the database include L3 cache, and its absence here places the CPU at a disadvantage in workloads that benefit from large, shared caches. The 1 MB L2 cache is shared between the two cores, which can lead to contention in multi-threaded tasks. The memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s is on the lower end for desktop processors, further limiting performance in data-heavy scenarios.

Power and Thermals

The 65W TDP places the Athlon X2 340 in the mainstream power envelope. This implies that a standard air cooler with a modest heat sink is sufficient for thermal management. The 32nm process node from GlobalFoundries, with 1,303 million transistors on a 246 mm² die, indicates a relatively dense design for its time. The power draw is moderate, making the CPU suitable for small form-factor systems where heat dissipation is a concern.

The lack of an integrated graphics unit means the CPU does not contribute to system power draw beyond its own processing cores. This is a benefit for users who plan to pair it with a discrete graphics card, as the total system power will be lower than with an APU. The multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not an option to increase performance, which means the TDP is a fixed design point.

The memory controller operates at a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s, which is typical for the memory standard of the time. The 65W TDP suggests that the memory controller and cache hierarchy are not power-hungry. For a system builder, the thermal requirements are modest: a small, low-profile cooler will suffice, and the CPU will not stress a typical power supply. The 32nm process is older, but the transistor count and die size are in line with other mid-range parts of that era.

FAQ

Q: Does the Athlon X2 340 include integrated graphics?

A: No, the integrated graphics field is null, meaning the CPU does not have a built-in GPU.

Q: What socket does the processor use?

A: It uses the AMD Socket FM2.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked (multiplierUnlocked: false).

Q: What is the memory bandwidth?

A: The memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s via a dual-channel DDR3 interface.

Q: When was the CPU released?

A: The release date is 2012-10-01.

Q: Is ECC memory supported?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported (eccMemory: false).

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

With 2 cores and 2 threads, the CPU has no simultaneous multithreading. The base and boost clocks of 3.20/3.60 GHz are relatively high for a dual-core, suggesting that single-threaded performance is the stronger aspect. The L2 cache is 1 MB shared, which is modest but sufficient for a dual-core. The lack of L3 cache means that data has to be fetched from memory more often, which could impact multi-threaded workloads that rely on shared data.

In single-threaded tasks, the high clock speed can compensate for the small cache. The boost clock of 3.60 GHz is higher than the base clock, allowing for a slight performance increase under load. However, the lack of SMT means that each core handles one thread, so even in dual-threaded workloads, the CPU cannot extract additional parallelism.

In multi-threaded workloads, the limited core count and lack of SMT will cause the CPU to fall behind processors with more threads. The 50th percentile ranking likely reflects a balance: it outperforms many older low-end CPUs but is outclassed by modern multi-core parts. Real-world implications: For office applications, web browsing, and light productivity, the single-thread speed is adequate. For video encoding, 3D rendering, or any workload that scales with cores, the CPU will be a bottleneck. The memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s is sufficient for two cores but may limit performance if the CPU is paired with a high-bandwidth discrete GPU in gaming scenarios.

The cache layout also affects multi-threaded performance. With a shared 1 MB L2 cache, both cores compete for the same cache space. This can cause cache thrashing in multi-threaded workloads that access large datasets. The absence of L3 cache means that data is fetched from main memory more frequently, adding latency. For single-threaded workloads, the cache is less of an issue because only one core is using it.

Who Should Consider It

Given its 50th percentile and end-of-life status, the Athlon X2 340 is best suited for legacy systems or basic computing tasks. Users who need a simple, low-power CPU for a home server, a retro gaming rig, or a basic office PC could consider it if they already have an FM2 motherboard. The 65W TDP makes it easy to cool in small cases.

However, for modern workloads that require more than two threads, this CPU is not recommended. The lack of integrated graphics means a discrete GPU is mandatory for any display output, which adds complexity. The locked multiplier prevents overclocking, so there is no headroom to improve performance beyond the stock clocks. The memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s is adequate for basic tasks but will not support high-speed memory configurations.

In summary, the Athlon X2 340 is a functional but limited processor that meets the needs of users with undemanding workloads and an existing FM2 platform. Its 50th percentile ranking indicates that it is not a high-performance part, but it is also not the slowest. For those who already own a compatible motherboard, it can serve as a replacement part or a basis for a simple system, as long as the workload does not demand many cores. For new builds, more modern processors with higher core counts and integrated graphics would be a better choice, but the Athlon X2 340 remains a viable option for niche applications.