CPU
GPU
Atom D2500
Athlon 64 3600+
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 Atom D2500 is positioned at rank 79 and the Athlon 64 3600+ is on rank 1078, so the Atom D2500 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Atom D2500
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 3600+
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom D2500 | Athlon 64 3600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($42) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Cedarview (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clawhammer (2001−2005) / 130 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom D2500 | Athlon 64 3600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+175%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($42) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
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 Atom D2500 and Athlon 64 3600+
Atom D2500
The Atom D2500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 November 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Cedarview (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.87 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA559. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 605 points. Launch price was $69.
Athlon 64 3600+
The Athlon 64 3600+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Clawhammer (2001−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 754. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Memory support: DDR1. Passmark benchmark score: 595 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Atom D2500 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Athlon 64 3600+ offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Atom D2500 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Atom D2500 versus 2.4 GHz on the Athlon 64 3600+ — a 24.8% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 3600+. The Atom D2500 uses the Cedarview (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon 64 3600+ uses Clawhammer (2001−2005) (130 nm). In PassMark, the Atom D2500 scores 605 against the Athlon 64 3600+'s 595 — a 1.7% lead for the Atom D2500.
| Feature | Atom D2500 | Athlon 64 3600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2+100% | 1 / 1 |
| Boost Clock | 1.87 GHz | 2.4 GHz+28% |
| Base Clock | 1.86 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | — |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 1 MB+100% |
| Process | 32 nm-75% | 130 nm |
| Architecture | Cedarview (2011−2012) | Clawhammer (2001−2005) |
| PassMark | 605+2% | 595 |
Memory & Platform
The Atom D2500 uses the FCBGA559 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon 64 3600+ uses 754 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Atom D2500 versus DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 3600+ — the Atom D2500 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon 64 3600+ supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom D2500) vs 2 (Athlon 64 3600+). PCIe lanes: 4 (Atom D2500) vs 0 (Athlon 64 3600+) — the Atom D2500 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA559 (Atom D2500) and AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 3600+).
| Feature | Atom D2500 | Athlon 64 3600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA559 | 754 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066+50% | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4 GB | 16 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 1 | 2+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 4 | 0 |
Advanced Features
The Atom D2500 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 3600), while the Athlon 64 3600+ requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Atom D2500 | Athlon 64 3600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel GMA 3600 | — |
Value Analysis
The Atom D2500 launched at $42 MSRP, while the Athlon 64 3600+ debuted at $149.
| Feature | Atom D2500 | Athlon 64 3600+ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $42-72% | $149 |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $15 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2004 |
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