Atom D2550 vs Core 2 Duo T5200

Intel

Atom D2550

2 Cores4 Thrd10 WWMax: 1.87 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core 2 Duo T5200

2 Cores2 Thrd2 WWMax: 1.66 GHz2006
Similar parts
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Atom D2550 vs Core 2 Duo T5200 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.

Atom D2550 vs Core 2 Duo T5200 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.

Atom D2550 vs Core 2 Duo T5200: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom D2550

2011

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel GMA 3650, while Core 2 Duo T5200 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • 400% higher power demand at 10W vs 2W.

Core 2 Duo T5200

2006

Why buy it

  • Draws 2W instead of 10W, a 8W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (705 vs 715).
  • No integrated graphics, while Atom D2550 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom D2550 better than Core 2 Duo T5200?
Yes. Atom D2550 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.4% 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, Atom D2550 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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, Atom D2550 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Atom D2550 still makes the most sense overall. Atom D2550 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Atom D2550 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2006) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Atom D2550 vs Core 2 Duo T5200 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Atom D2550

The Atom D2550 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 4 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: 715 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Core 2 Duo T5200

The Core 2 Duo T5200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.66 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: BGA479. Thermal design power (TDP): 34 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 705 points. Launch price was $249.

Processing Power

The Atom D2550 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo T5200's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Atom D2550 versus 1.66 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5200 — a 11.9% clock advantage for the Atom D2550 (base: 1.86 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Atom D2550 uses the Cedarview (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T5200 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Atom D2550 scores 715 against the Core 2 Duo T5200's 705 — a 1.4% lead for the Atom D2550. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureAtom D2550Core 2 Duo T5200
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 2
Boost Clock
1.87 GHz+13%
1.66 GHz
Base Clock
1.86 GHz+16%
1.6 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
512K (per core)+25500%
2 MB
Process
32 nm-51%
65 nm
Architecture
Cedarview (2011−2012)
Merom (2006−2008)
PassMark
715+1%
705
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Memory & Platform

The Atom D2550 uses the FCBGA559 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo T5200 uses BGA479 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAtom D2550Core 2 Duo T5200
Socket
FCBGA559
BGA479
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0+82%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity
4 GB
RAM Channels
1
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
4
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Advanced Features

The Atom D2550 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 3650), while the Core 2 Duo T5200 requires a dedicated GPU.

FeatureAtom D2550Core 2 Duo T5200
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel GMA 3650