A6-3420M vs Atom Z2580

A6-3420M vs Atom Z2580 Performance Spectrum

A6-3420M

4 / 4

1,310

+0.5%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Atom Z2580

2 / 4

1,303

0.0%

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.

A6-3420M vs Atom Z2580 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.

A6-3420M vs Atom Z2580: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A6-3420M

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌1066.7% higher power demand at 35W vs 3W.

Atom Z2580

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 3W instead of 35W, a 32W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,303 vs 1,310).

Quick Answers

So, is A6-3420M better than Atom Z2580?

Yes. A6-3420M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, A6-3420M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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, A6-3420M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

A6-3420M still makes the most sense overall. A6-3420M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Atom Z2580 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A6-3420M vs Atom Z2580 Technical Specifications

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

A6-3420M

The A6-3420M is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,310 points. Launch price was $70.

Atom Z2580

The Atom Z2580 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 February 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Clovertrail (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FC-MB4760. Thermal design power (TDP): 3 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,303 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The A6-3420M packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Atom Z2580 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A6-3420M has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the A6-3420M versus 2 GHz on the Atom Z2580 — a 18.2% clock advantage for the A6-3420M. The A6-3420M uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Atom Z2580 uses Clovertrail (2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A6-3420M scores 1,310 against the Atom Z2580's 1,303 — a 0.5% lead for the A6-3420M. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	A6-3420M	Atom Z2580
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz+20%	2 GHz
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	—
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	512K (per core)+51100%
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Clovertrail (2013)
PassMark	1,310	1,303
Geekbench 6 Single	234	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A6-3420M uses the FS1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Atom Z2580 uses FC-MB4760 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the A6-3420M versus LPDDR2-1066 on the Atom Z2580 — the A6-3420M supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-3420M supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (A6-3420M) vs 0 (Atom Z2580) — the A6-3420M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	A6-3420M	Atom Z2580
Socket	FS1	FC-MB4760
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333+25%	LPDDR2-1066
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB+300%	2 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	0

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A6-3420M) / not specified (Atom Z2580). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 6520G (A6-3420M) and PowerVR SGX544MP2 (Atom Z2580) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A6-3420M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: A6-3420M rivals Core i3-2330M.