AMD Athlon 240GE
AMD Athlon 240GE: Budget Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025
Overview of Features, Compatibility, and Use Cases
1. Key Specifications: Zen Architecture for Efficiency
The AMD Athlon 240GE processor, released in 2022, remains relevant in 2025 due to its energy efficiency and affordability.
Architecture and Technology
- Cores and Threads: 2 cores / 4 threads (SMT — Simultaneous Multithreading).
- Architecture: Zen (first generation), 14nm fabrication process by GlobalFoundries.
- Cache: L3 — 4 MB (shared among cores), L2 — 512 KB per core.
- Base Clock: 3.5 GHz (no Turbo Boost).
Despite the age of its architecture, Zen provides a 52% IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) increase compared to previous AMD generations. This makes the Athlon 240GE suitable for basic tasks, though it falls short in multi-threaded scenarios compared to modern 4-core models.
Graphics and Power Consumption
- iGPU: Radeon Vega 3 (192 stream processors, up to 1000 MHz).
- TDP: 35 W — the processor does not require active cooling (suitable for compact builds).
Performance:
- Geekbench 6: 1074 (Single-Core), 2232 (Multi-Core).
- In gaming: CS:GO — 40-50 FPS on low settings (720p), Dota 2 — 30-40 FPS (720p).
Key Features:
- Low price ($60-70 in 2025).
- Support for modern interfaces: PCIe 3.0, USB 3.1.
2. Compatible Motherboards: AM4 Socket and Chipset Choices
Socket and Chipsets
- Socket: AM4 — AMD's universal platform (supports processors from Athlon to Ryzen 9).
- Recommended Chipsets:
- A320: Budget option ($50-70). Example: ASUS Prime A320M-K. Does not support overclocking.
- B450: Optimal choice ($80-120). Example: MSI B450 Tomahawk. Supports PCIe 3.0 x16 and memory overclocking.
- X470: For enthusiasts ($130-160). Overkill for Athlon 240GE.
Important:
- BIOS updates may be required for motherboards released before 2022.
- Mini-ITX motherboards (e.g., Gigabyte A520I AC) are suitable for compact builds.
3. Memory: DDR4 and Dual-Channel Mode
- Memory Type: DDR4 (up to 2933 MHz).
- Maximum Capacity: 64 GB (but 8-16 GB is sufficient for the Athlon 240GE).
Recommendations:
- Use two DDR4-2666/2933 modules to activate dual-channel mode (increases iGPU performance by 15-20%).
- Example: 2x8 GB Kingston Fury DDR4-2933 ($45-60).
Limitation: No support for DDR5 — this makes the system less future-proof.
4. Power Supply: Minimum Watts — Maximum Reliability
- Power Supply Wattage: Even 300 W is enough for a system without a discrete graphics card.
- Scenarios:
- Without a Graphics Card: 300-400 W (e.g., be quiet! Pure Power 11 400W, $55).
- With a Graphics Card: For GTX 1650 or RX 6400, a PSU of 450-500 W is needed (Corsair CX450M, $65).
Tip: Don’t skimp on the PSU — low-quality units can damage components.
5. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low power consumption (ideal for HTPC or office PCs).
- Built-in Vega 3 graphics (no separate graphics card required).
- Affordable price ($60-70).
Cons:
- Only 2 cores — multitasking is limited.
- No support for PCIe 4.0 and DDR5.
- Weak upgrade potential (best option for AM4 is the Ryzen 5 5600G).
6. Use Cases
Office and Multimedia
- Document work, browsers (20+ tabs), Zoom conferences.
- 4K video playback through iGPU (with hardware decoding support).
Light Gaming
- CS:GO, Dota 2, Minecraft — at low settings.
- Retro emulators (PS2, GameCube) — consistently 60 FPS.
Home Server or NAS
- Low TDP allows the processor to be used in 24/7 mode.
Limitations: Video editing in DaVinci Resolve or rendering in Blender will be extremely slow.
7. Comparison with Competitors
Intel Pentium Gold G6605
- 2 cores / 4 threads, UHD Graphics 610.
- Geekbench 6: ~980 (Single), ~2100 (Multi).
- Price: $75.
Conclusion: Athlon 240GE excels in graphics and energy efficiency.
AMD Ryzen 3 3200G
- 4 cores / 4 threads, Vega 8.
- Geekbench 6: ~1200 (Single), ~3500 (Multi).
- Price: $100 (used — $60-70).
Conclusion: Better performance, but higher price.
8. Assembly Tips
- Case: Choose compact models (Fractal Design Node 202) for HTPC.
- Storage: Ensure SSD (Kingston A400 240 GB, $25) — HDD can bottleneck performance.
- Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for quieter operation, consider the Noctua NH-L9a ($45).
- Upgrade: If planning to transition to Ryzen 5, choose a motherboard with a B450 chipset.
9. Conclusion: Who is the Athlon 240GE Suitable For?
This processor is a choice for those who:
- Are building a PC for office work, study, or a media center.
- Are looking for an extremely inexpensive system (complete builds start at $250).
- Do not plan to run AAA games or heavy applications.
Alternative: If the budget allows an extra $30-40, consider the Ryzen 3 3200G (4 cores) or Intel Core i3-12100 (higher IPC).
Summary: In 2025, the Athlon 240GE remains a niche solution for ultra-budget projects. Its main advantages are price and minimalism, but it lacks future-proofing potential.