Atom D425 vs Atom Z550

Intel

Atom D425

1 Cores2 Thrd10 WWMax: 1.83 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Atom Z550

1 Cores2 Thrd2.4 WWMax: 2 GHz2009
Similar parts
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Atom D425 vs Atom Z550 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 D425 vs Atom Z550: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom D425

2010

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +10.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel GMA 3150, while Atom Z550 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • 316.7% higher power demand at 10W vs 2.4W.

Atom Z550

2009

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Atom D425 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (375 vs 385).
  • No integrated graphics, while Atom D425 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom D425 better than Atom Z550?
Yes. Atom D425 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.7% 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 D425 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.7% 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, Atom D425 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.7% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Atom D425 still makes the most sense overall. Atom D425 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Atom D425 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 1 cores / 2 threads instead of 1/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Atom D425 vs Atom Z550 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Atom D425

The Atom D425 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Pineview (2009−2011) architecture. It features 1 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.83 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA559. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 385 points. Launch price was $993.

Intel

Atom Z550

The Atom Z550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 April 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Silverthorne (2008−2010) architecture. It features 1 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PBGA441. Thermal design power (TDP): 2.4 Watt. Memory support: unknown. Passmark benchmark score: 375 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

Both the Atom D425 and Atom Z550 share an identical 1-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.83 GHz on the Atom D425 versus 2 GHz on the Atom Z550 — a 8.9% clock advantage for the Atom Z550 (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Atom D425 uses the Pineview (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Atom Z550 uses Silverthorne (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom D425 scores 385 against the Atom Z550's 375 — a 2.6% lead for the Atom D425. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureAtom D425Atom Z550
Cores / Threads
1 / 2
1 / 2
Boost Clock
1.83 GHz
2 GHz+9%
Base Clock
1.8 GHz
2 GHz+11%
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)
512 kB (per core)
Process
45 nm
45 nm
Architecture
Pineview (2009−2011)
Silverthorne (2008−2010)
PassMark
385+3%
375
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Memory & Platform

The Atom D425 uses the FCBGA559 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Atom Z550 uses PBGA441 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-800 on the Atom D425 versus DDR2-533 on the Atom Z550 — the Atom D425 supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Atom D425 supports up to 4 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 1-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel NM10 (Atom D425) and Intel US15W (Atom Z550).

FeatureAtom D425Atom Z550
Socket
FCBGA559
PBGA441
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-800+50%
DDR2-533
Max RAM Capacity
4 GB+100%
2 GB
RAM Channels
1
1
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
0
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Advanced Features

The Atom D425 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 3150), while the Atom Z550 requires a dedicated GPU.

FeatureAtom D425Atom Z550
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel GMA 3150