Atom E3826 vs Atom S1260

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 E3826 vs Atom S1260 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 E3826 vs Atom S1260: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom E3826

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 7W instead of 9W, a 2W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail), while Atom S1260 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (545 vs 555).

Atom S1260

2012

Why buy it

✅100% more PCIe lanes (8 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌28.6% higher power demand at 9W vs 7W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Atom E3826 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom S1260 better than Atom E3826?

Yes. Atom S1260 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 1.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Atom S1260 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 S1260 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Atom S1260 still makes the most sense overall. Atom S1260 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.8% higher PassMark.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Atom E3826 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom E3826 vs Atom S1260 Technical Specifications

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

Atom E3826

The Atom E3826 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 2 cores and 2 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): 7 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 545 points. Launch price was $69.

Atom S1260

The Atom S1260 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 December 2012 (12 years ago). It is based on the Centerton (2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1283. Thermal design power (TDP): 8.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 555 points. Launch price was $64.

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Processing Power

The Atom E3826 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Atom S1260's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.47 GHz on the Atom E3826 versus 2 GHz on the Atom S1260 — a 30.5% clock advantage for the Atom S1260. The Atom E3826 uses the Bay Trail-I (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Atom S1260 uses Centerton (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Atom E3826 scores 545 against the Atom S1260's 555 — a 1.8% lead for the Atom S1260. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	Atom E3826	Atom S1260
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
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-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Bay Trail-I (2013)	Centerton (2012)
PassMark	545	555+2%

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Memory & Platform

The Atom E3826 uses the FCBGA1170 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Atom S1260 uses FCBGA1283 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1066 on the Atom E3826 versus DDR3-1333 on the Atom S1260 — the Atom S1260 supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Atom E3826) vs 1 (Atom S1260). PCIe lanes: 4 (Atom E3826) vs 8 (Atom S1260) — the Atom S1260 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1170 (Atom E3826) and Intel BGA1283 (Atom S1260).

Feature	Atom E3826	Atom S1260
Socket	FCBGA1170	FCBGA1283
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1066	DDR3-1333+25%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
RAM Channels	2+100%	1
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	4	8+100%