CPU
GPU
Athlon 64 X2 5200+
Atom N2600
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Athlon 64 X2 5200+ is positioned at rank 1082 and the Atom N2600 is on rank 40, so the Atom N2600 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 X2 5200+
Performance Per Dollar Atom N2600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 5200+ | Atom N2600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Windsor (2006−2007) / 90 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Cedarview-M (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 5200+ | Atom N2600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Athlon 64 X2 5200+ and Atom N2600
Athlon 64 X2 5200+
The Athlon 64 X2 5200+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: AM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,505 points. Launch price was $149.
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 Athlon 64 X2 5200+ packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Atom N2600's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 5200+ versus 1.6 GHz on the Atom N2600 — a 51.2% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 X2 5200+. The Athlon 64 X2 5200+ uses the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture (90 nm), while the Atom N2600 uses Cedarview-M (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 X2 5200+ scores 1,505 against the Atom N2600's 1,528 — a 1.5% lead for the Atom N2600. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 5200+ | Atom N2600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.7 GHz+69% | 1.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | — | 1.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512K | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 90 nm | 32 nm-64% |
| Architecture | Windsor (2006−2007) | Cedarview-M (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 1,505 | 1,528+2% |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 64 X2 5200+ uses the AM2 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Atom N2600 uses FCBGA559 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 5200+ versus DDR3-800 on the Atom N2600 — the Atom N2600 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon 64 X2 5200+ supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Athlon 64 X2 5200+) vs 1 (Atom N2600). PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon 64 X2 5200+) vs 4 (Atom N2600) — the Atom N2600 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 5200+) and Intel NM10 (Atom N2600).
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 5200+ | Atom N2600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM2 | FCBGA559 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | DDR3-800+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+700% | 2 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 4 |
Advanced Features
The Atom N2600 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 3600), while the Athlon 64 X2 5200+ requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 5200+ | Atom N2600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel GMA 3600 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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