Chipversus Index
Jump to Section

A6-3600 vs Atom D525

CPUCPUGPUGPU
AMD

A6-3600

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2011
Similar parts
·······
Buy on Amazon
VS
Intel

Atom D525

2 Cores4 Thrd13 WWMax: 1.83 GHz2010
Similar parts
·······
Buy on Amazon

A6-3600 vs Atom D525 Performance Spectrum

A6-3600
4 / 4
1,718
+0.6%
brand logoAthlon II X2 250u
brand logoAthlon II X2 245e
brand logoAthlon II X2 270
brand logoAthlon 64 X2 5200+
brand logoRyzen 7 PRO 5750GE
brand logoRyzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX
brand logoRyzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX
brand logoRyzen Threadripper 3990X
Atom D525
2 / 4
1,707
0.0%
brand logoCeleron T3100
brand logoAtom x5-Z8550
brand logoCeleron N2840
brand logoCore i3-530
brand logoCore i5-14400T
brand logoCore Ultra 5 235HX
brand logoCore i9-14900KS
brand logoXeon w9-3575X

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.

A6-3600 vs Atom D525: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A6-3600

2011

Why buy it

  • ✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • ✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Atom D525.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.1 vs 27.1 PassMark/$ ($95 MSRP vs $63 MSRP).
  • ❌400% higher power demand at 65W vs 13W.

Atom D525

2010

Why buy it

  • ✅Costs $32 less on MSRP ($63 MSRP vs $95 MSRP).
  • ✅Delivers 49.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 27.1 vs 18.1 PassMark/$ ($63 MSRP vs $95 MSRP).
  • ✅Draws 13W instead of 65W, a 52W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (1,707 vs 1,718).
  • ❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A6-3600.

Quick Answers

So, is A6-3600 better than Atom D525?
Yes. A6-3600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% 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, A6-3600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% 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, A6-3600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
A6-3600 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. A6-3600 comes in 50.8% more expensive on MSRP at $95 MSRP versus $63 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Atom D525 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 0.7% in the shared gaming data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A6-3600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A6-3600 vs Atom D525 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A6-3600

The A6-3600 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 2.1 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: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,718 points. Launch price was $70.

Intel

Atom D525

The Atom D525 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Pinetrail (2009−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.83 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA559. Thermal design power (TDP): 13 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,707 points. Launch price was $63.

⚡

Processing Power

The A6-3600 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Atom D525 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A6-3600 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the A6-3600 versus 1.83 GHz on the Atom D525 — a 27% clock advantage for the A6-3600 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The A6-3600 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Atom D525 uses Pinetrail (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A6-3600 scores 1,718 against the Atom D525's 1,707 — a 0.6% lead for the A6-3600. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureA6-3600Atom D525
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.4 GHz+31%
1.83 GHz
Base Clock
2.1 GHz+17%
1.8 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
512K (per core)+51100%
Process
32 nm-29%
45 nm
Architecture
Llano (2011−2012)
Pinetrail (2009−2011)
PassMark
1,718
1,707
Geekbench 6 Single
253
—
🧠

Memory & Platform

The A6-3600 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Atom D525 uses FCBGA559 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the A6-3600 versus DDR3-800 on the Atom D525 — the A6-3600 supports 133.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-3600 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (A6-3600) vs 1 (Atom D525). PCIe lanes: 16 (A6-3600) vs 0 (Atom D525) — the A6-3600 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75 (A6-3600) and Intel NM10 (Atom D525).

FeatureA6-3600Atom D525
Socket
FM1
FCBGA559
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1866+133%
DDR3-800
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB+300%
4 GB
RAM Channels
2+100%
1
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
0
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A6-3600) / not specified (Atom D525). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 6530D (A6-3600) and Intel GMA 3150 (Atom D525) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A6-3600 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: A6-3600 rivals Pentium G630.

FeatureA6-3600Atom D525
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 6530D
Intel GMA 3150
Unlocked
No
—
AVX-512
No
—
Virtualization
AMD-V
—
Target Use
Budget Desktop
—
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A6-3600 was priced at $95, while the Atom D525 came in at $63. On launch pricing ($95 vs $63), Atom D525 was $32 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A6-3600 delivers 18.1 pts/$ vs 27.1 pts/$ for the Atom D525 — making the Atom D525 the 39.9% better value option.

FeatureA6-3600Atom D525
MSRP
$95
$63-34%
Performance per Dollar
18.1
27.1+50%
Release Date
2011
2010
Search A6-3600 on AmazonSearch Atom D525 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.