AMD Athlon II X2 240e and X3 435 Mainstream CPUs

Performance Summary: Both of the new Athlon II processors we tested here performed as well as expected in our tests. For a low power, budget dual core processor, the X2 240e held its own against more expensive models, specifically in PCMark Vantage and Cinebench. Also, the similarly affordable X3 435 showed capable performance in most of the benchmarks we ran.   

These new additions to AMD's desktop processor line-up will be available immediately. Their model numbers and expected price points are listed here:

• $143 - Athlon II X4 605e (2.3GHz / 45W) Low-power processor
• $133 - Athlon II X4 600e (2.2GHz / 45W) Low-power processor
• $87 - Athlon II X3 435 (2.9GHz / 95W) 
• $76 - Athlon II X3 425 (2.7GHz / 95W) 
• $102 - Athlon II X3 405e (2.3GHz / 45W) Low-power processor
• $97 - Athlon II X3 400e (2.2GHz / 45W) Low-power processor
• $77 - Athlon II X2 240e (2.8GHz / 45W) Low-power processor
• $69 - Athlon II X2 235e (2.7GHz / 45W) Low-power processor

For most consumers,the overall value of the product in question is usually the most important factor in making a purchasing decision. And its not a coincidence that AMD is flooding the market with affordable CPUs at every possible price point. The new Athlon II series processors are aimed directly at the mainstream market and most of them carry the added benefit of energy savings in the form of low power consumption. Furthermore, those who know how to push their hardware will find these chips to be more than willing to cooperate. If you're in the market for an affordable upgrade or looking to put together a budget system, AMD's Athlon II series of processors offer excellent bang for the buck.

Athlon II X2 240e Inexpensive Energy efficient Overclockable   Quad cores are only slightly more expensive

Athlon II X3 435 Affordable Triple core Good Performance OC headroom Not much more for a quad core