A6 Micro-6500T vs Atom x5-Z8550

AMD

A6 Micro-6500T

4 Cores4 Thrd5 WWMax: 1.8 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Atom x5-Z8550

4 Cores4 ThrdWMax: 2.4 GHz2016
Similar parts
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A6 Micro-6500T vs Atom x5-Z8550 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.

A6 Micro-6500T vs Atom x5-Z8550 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 Micro-6500T vs Atom x5-Z8550: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A6 Micro-6500T

2014

Why buy it

  • +0.3% higher PassMark.
  • 300% more PCIe lanes (8 vs 2) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $100 MSRP, while Atom x5-Z8550 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Atom x5-Z8550

2016

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,143 vs 1,146).

    Quick Answers

    So, is A6 Micro-6500T better than Atom x5-Z8550?
    It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Atom x5-Z8550 is ahead with 33.3% higher max boost clock. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, A6 Micro-6500T pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A6 Micro-6500T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    A6 Micro-6500T is the better buy right now. A6 Micro-6500T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $100 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Atom x5-Z8550 is still the better pure gaming CPU with 33.3% higher max boost clock. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Atom x5-Z8550 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    A6 Micro-6500T vs Atom x5-Z8550 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    A6 Micro-6500T

    The A6 Micro-6500T is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Mullins (2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FT3. Thermal design power (TDP): 5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,146 points. Launch price was $69.

    Intel

    Atom x5-Z8550

    The Atom x5-Z8550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 February 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.44 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: UTFCBGA1380. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,143 points. Launch price was $69.

    Processing Power

    Both the A6 Micro-6500T and Atom x5-Z8550 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the A6 Micro-6500T versus 2.4 GHz on the Atom x5-Z8550 — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Atom x5-Z8550 (base: 1.2 GHz vs 1.44 GHz). The A6 Micro-6500T uses the Mullins (2014) architecture (28 nm), while the Atom x5-Z8550 uses Cherry Trail (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A6 Micro-6500T scores 1,146 against the Atom x5-Z8550's 1,143 — a 0.3% lead for the A6 Micro-6500T.

    FeatureA6 Micro-6500TAtom x5-Z8550
    Cores / Threads
    4 / 4
    4 / 4
    Boost Clock
    1.8 GHz
    2.4 GHz+33%
    Base Clock
    1.2 GHz
    1.44 GHz+20%
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    2 MB (total)
    2 MB
    Process
    28 nm
    14 nm-50%
    Architecture
    Mullins (2014)
    Cherry Trail (2015−2016)
    PassMark
    1,146
    1,143
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The A6 Micro-6500T uses the FT3 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Atom x5-Z8550 uses UTFCBGA1380 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the A6 Micro-6500T versus LPDDR3-1600 on the Atom x5-Z8550 — the Atom x5-Z8550 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6 Micro-6500T supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (A6 Micro-6500T) vs 2 (Atom x5-Z8550). PCIe lanes: 8 (A6 Micro-6500T) vs 2 (Atom x5-Z8550) — the A6 Micro-6500T offers 6 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD BGA soldered (A6 Micro-6500T) and Intel FC-UTBGA592 (Atom x5-Z8550).

    FeatureA6 Micro-6500TAtom x5-Z8550
    Socket
    FT3
    UTFCBGA1380
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0
    PCIe 3.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR3-1333
    LPDDR3-1600+20%
    Max RAM Capacity
    16 GB+100%
    8 GB
    RAM Channels
    1
    2+100%
    ECC Support
    No
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    8+300%
    2
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Both include integrated graphics AMD Radeon R4 (A6 Micro-6500T) and Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) (Atom x5-Z8550) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU.

    FeatureA6 Micro-6500TAtom x5-Z8550
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    AMD Radeon R4
    Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail)