A4-7300 vs Atom N2600

AMD

A4-7300

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 4 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Atom N2600

2 Cores4 Thrd4 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2011
Similar parts
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A4-7300 vs Atom N2600 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

A4-7300 vs Atom N2600 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A4-7300 vs Atom N2600: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A4-7300

2014

Why buy it

  • 300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Atom N2600.

Trade-offs

  • 1525% higher power demand at 65W vs 4W.

Atom N2600

2011

Why buy it

  • Draws 4W instead of 65W, a 61W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,528 vs 1,536).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike A4-7300.

Quick Answers

So, is A4-7300 better than Atom N2600?
Yes. A4-7300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, A4-7300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A4-7300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
A4-7300 still makes the most sense overall. A4-7300 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A4-7300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A4-7300 vs Atom N2600 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

A4-7300

The A4-7300 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,536 points. Launch price was $50.

Intel

Atom N2600

The Atom N2600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 December 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Cedarview-M (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA559. Thermal design power (TDP): 3.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,528 points. Launch price was $47.

Processing Power

The A4-7300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Atom N2600's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the A4-7300 versus 1.6 GHz on the Atom N2600 — a 85.7% clock advantage for the A4-7300 (base: 3.8 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The A4-7300 uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Atom N2600 uses Cedarview-M (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A4-7300 scores 1,536 against the Atom N2600's 1,528 — a 0.5% lead for the A4-7300.

FeatureA4-7300Atom N2600
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
4 GHz+150%
1.6 GHz
Base Clock
3.8 GHz+137%
1.6 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
L2 Cache
1024 kB+100%
512K (per core)
Process
32 nm
32 nm
Architecture
Richland (2013−2014)
Cedarview-M (2011−2012)
PassMark
1,536
1,528
Geekbench 6 Single
349
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Memory & Platform

The A4-7300 uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Atom N2600 uses FCBGA559 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the A4-7300 versus DDR3-800 on the Atom N2600 — the A4-7300 supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A4-7300 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (A4-7300) vs 1 (Atom N2600). PCIe lanes: 16 (A4-7300) vs 4 (Atom N2600) — the A4-7300 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A55,A58,A68H,A75,A78,A88X (A4-7300) and Intel NM10 (Atom N2600).

FeatureA4-7300Atom N2600
Socket
FM2
FCBGA559
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600+100%
DDR3-800
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB+700%
2 GB
RAM Channels
2+100%
1
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16+300%
4
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A4-7300) / not specified (Atom N2600). Both include integrated graphics Radeon HD 8470D (A4-7300) and Intel GMA 3600 (Atom N2600) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-7300 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: A4-7300 rivals Pentium G3250.

FeatureA4-7300Atom N2600
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 8470D
Intel GMA 3600
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Target Use
Budget Desktop