
Atom D525 vs Xeon E5502

Atom D525

Xeon E5502
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 D525 is positioned at rank 31 and the Xeon E5502 is on rank 893, so the Atom D525 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Atom D525
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5502
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom D525 | Xeon E5502 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($63) | ✅ More affordable ($39) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Pinetrail (2009−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Gainestown (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom D525 | Xeon E5502 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+63%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($63) | ✅ More affordable ($39) |
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 D525 and Xeon E5502

Atom D525
The Atom D525 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Pinetrail (2009−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.83 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA559. Thermal design power (TDP): 13 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,707 points. Launch price was $63.

Xeon E5502
The Xeon E5502 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.87 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,725 points. Launch price was $95.
Processing Power
The Atom D525 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E5502's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.83 GHz on the Atom D525 versus 1.87 GHz on the Xeon E5502 — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Xeon E5502 (base: 1.8 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Atom D525 uses the Pinetrail (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon E5502 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom D525 scores 1,707 against the Xeon E5502's 1,725 — a 1% lead for the Xeon E5502. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom D525 vs 4 MB (total) on the Xeon E5502.
| Feature | Atom D525 | Xeon E5502 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 1.83 GHz | 1.87 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 1.8 GHz | 1.86 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core)+100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Pinetrail (2009−2011) | Gainestown (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,707 | 1,725+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 200 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 800 |
Memory & Platform
The Atom D525 uses the FCBGA559 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5502 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-800 memory speed. The Xeon E5502 supports up to 144 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 189.2% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom D525) vs 3 (Xeon E5502). PCIe lanes: 0 (Atom D525) vs 32 (Xeon E5502) — the Xeon E5502 offers 32 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel NM10 (Atom D525) and Intel 5500,Intel 5520,Intel X58 (Xeon E5502).
| Feature | Atom D525 | Xeon E5502 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA559 | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-800 | DDR3-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4 GB | 144 GB+3500% |
| RAM Channels | 1 | 3+200% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 32 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Atom D525) / true (Xeon E5502). The Atom D525 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 3150), while the Xeon E5502 requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Atom D525 | Xeon E5502 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel GMA 3150 | — |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
Value Analysis
The Atom D525 launched at $63 MSRP, while the Xeon E5502 debuted at $188.
| Feature | Atom D525 | Xeon E5502 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $63-66% | $188 |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $39 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2009 |
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