Atom E3815 vs Atom Z550

Intel

Atom E3815

1 Cores1 Thrd512 WWMax: 1.47 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Atom Z550

1 Cores2 Thrd2.4 WWMax: 2 GHz2009
Similar parts
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Atom E3815 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 E3815 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 E3815

2013

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail), while Atom Z550 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (365 vs 375).
  • 21233.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 2.4W.

Atom Z550

2009

Why buy it

  • Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 510W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • No integrated graphics, while Atom E3815 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom Z550 better than Atom E3815?
Yes. Atom Z550 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 2.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Atom Z550 has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 36.1% higher max boost clock.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Atom Z550 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 Z550 still makes the most sense overall. Atom Z550 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 2.7% higher PassMark.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Atom E3815 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom E3815 vs Atom Z550 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Atom E3815

The Atom E3815 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 October 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Bay Trail-I (2013) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.47 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 512 kB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 365 points. Launch price was $134.

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

The Atom E3815 packs 1 cores / 1 threads, matching the Atom Z550's 1 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.47 GHz on the Atom E3815 versus 2 GHz on the Atom Z550 — a 30.5% clock advantage for the Atom Z550. The Atom E3815 uses the Bay Trail-I (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Atom Z550 uses Silverthorne (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom E3815 scores 365 against the Atom Z550's 375 — a 2.7% lead for the Atom Z550. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureAtom E3815Atom Z550
Cores / Threads
1 / 1
1 / 2
Boost Clock
1.47 GHz
2 GHz+36%
Base Clock
2 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)
512 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm-51%
45 nm
Architecture
Bay Trail-I (2013)
Silverthorne (2008−2010)
PassMark
365
375+3%
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Memory & Platform

The Atom E3815 uses the FCBGA1170 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Atom Z550 uses PBGA441 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1066 on the Atom E3815 versus DDR2-533 on the Atom Z550 — the Atom E3815 supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Atom E3815 supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 1-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 4 (Atom E3815) vs 0 (Atom Z550) — the Atom E3815 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1170 (Atom E3815) and Intel US15W (Atom Z550).

FeatureAtom E3815Atom Z550
Socket
FCBGA1170
PBGA441
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3L-1066+100%
DDR2-533
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB+300%
2 GB
RAM Channels
1
1
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
4
0
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Advanced Features

The Atom E3815 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail)), while the Atom Z550 requires a dedicated GPU.

FeatureAtom E3815Atom Z550
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail)