AMD Athlon 255e
- Brand:
- AMD
- Form Factor:
- Desktop
- CPU Socket:
- AM3
- Core/Thread Count:
- 2 Core / 2 Thread
- TDP:
- 45 W
- iGPU:
- Discrete Graphics Card Required
- CPU Series:
- Athlon II X2
Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Manufacturer: AMD Last updated: October 9, 2026
AMD Athlon 255e Review
AMD Athlon 255e desktop processor, 2C/2T , 45W TDP, AM3 socket.
The AMD Athlon 255e is a Athlon processor from AMD's Athlon II X2 lineup. It packs 2 core(s) within a 45W power envelope, built for the AM3 platform. This is a legacy part carried in this catalog for buyers researching or maintaining older AMD systems rather than for new builds.
Performance and Architecture
With 2C/2T, the AMD Athlon 255e Cache totals 2 MB L2. Its Discrete Graphics Card Required integrated graphics handle display output and light graphics work without a discrete GPU.
Platform and Compatibility
The AMD Athlon 255e uses the AM3 platform in a 45W envelope. It supports DDR3 memory.
Comparison to Alternatives
Within this catalog's Athlon listings, the AMD Athlon 255e sits alongside other Athlon II X2 parts from the same generation, differentiated mainly by clock speed, core count, and TDP. It predates AMD's modern Ryzen lineup and should be evaluated against period-correct alternatives rather than current-generation chips.
Our verdict
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Best for
- Athlon platform upgrades or repairs
- Budget legacy builds
- Retro or compatibility-focused systems
Not for
- Modern gaming or productivity workloads
- New builds
- Power efficiency-focused systems
Specifications
What these specs meanIdentity
| Brand | AMD |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Other |
| Codename | Athlon Legacy |
Segment and platform
| Market Segment | Desktop |
|---|---|
| Socket | AM3 |
| Socket Status | End of Life |
| Process Node | 45nm |
Core configuration
| Total Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Performance Cores | 2 |
| Efficiency Cores | 0 |
| Total Threads | 2 |
| SMT Enabled | No |
Clock speeds
| P-Core Base Clock | 3.1 GHz |
|---|---|
| Unlocked Multiplier | No |
Cache
| L2 Cache | 2 MB |
|---|
Power and thermal
| Base Power | 45 W |
|---|
Memory
| Memory Type | DDR3 |
|---|
Graphics and AI
| Integrated Graphics | No |
|---|
Commercial
| Retail Availability | Tray OEM |
|---|
| Form Factor | Desktop |
|---|---|
| TDP | 45 W |
| iGPU | Discrete Graphics Card Required |
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the AMD Athlon 255e?
The AMD Athlon 255e has 2 cores and 2 threads and a 45 W TDP. Integrated graphics: Discrete Graphics Card Required. Socket: AM3.
Will the AMD Athlon 255e work with my current setup?
The AMD Athlon 255e lists Socket is AM3. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the AMD Athlon 255e best suited to?
Best suited to: Athlon platform upgrades or repairs; Budget legacy builds; Retro or compatibility-focused systems.
What are the drawbacks of the AMD Athlon 255e?
Not the best fit for: Modern gaming or productivity workloads; New builds; Power efficiency-focused systems.
Compare and read more
- A8-6500B with Radeon HD 8570D vs AMD Athlon 255e
- A8-7600 with Radeon R7 Series vs AMD Athlon 255e
- AMD Athlon 255e vs AMD Athlon 750
- A8-7650K with Radeon R7 Series vs AMD Athlon 255e
- AMD Athlon 255e vs AMD Athlon 631 (65W)
- AM4 vs AM5 in 2026: Is It Still Worth Buying AM4?
- AMD Zen 6 (Ryzen 10000): Release Date, Specs, AM5 Support and Should You Wait