Atom E660 vs Atom N270

Intel

Atom E660

1 Cores2 Thrd3 WWMax: 1.3 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Atom N270

1 Cores2 Thrd512 WWMax: 0.1 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Atom E660 vs Atom N270 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 E660 vs Atom N270: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom E660

2010

Why buy it

  • Draws 3W instead of 512W, a 509W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel GMA 600, while Atom N270 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Atom N270

2008

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (265 vs 275).
    • 16966.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 3W.
    • No integrated graphics, while Atom E660 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Atom E660 better than Atom N270?
    Yes. Atom E660 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 3.8% 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 E660 has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 1200% higher max boost clock.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Atom E660 is the stronger fit. You are getting 3.8% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 2 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Atom E660 still makes the most sense overall. Atom E660 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 3.8% higher PassMark.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Atom E660 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008) 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 E660 vs Atom N270 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Atom E660

    The Atom E660 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Tunnel Creek (2010) architecture. It features 1 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA676. Thermal design power (TDP): 3 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 275 points. Launch price was $54.

    Intel

    Atom N270

    The Atom N270 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the DiamondVille (2008−2009) architecture. It features 1 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 0.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PBGA437. Thermal design power (TDP): 2.5 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 265 points. Launch price was $44.

    Processing Power

    Both the Atom E660 and Atom N270 share an identical 1-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.3 GHz on the Atom E660 versus 0.1 GHz on the Atom N270 — a 171.4% clock advantage for the Atom E660. The Atom E660 uses the Tunnel Creek (2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Atom N270 uses DiamondVille (2008−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom E660 scores 275 against the Atom N270's 265 — a 3.7% lead for the Atom E660. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

    FeatureAtom E660Atom N270
    Cores / Threads
    1 / 2
    1 / 2
    Boost Clock
    1.3 GHz+1200%
    0.1 GHz
    Base Clock
    1.6 GHz
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    512 kB (per core)
    512 kB
    Process
    45 nm
    45 nm
    Architecture
    Tunnel Creek (2010)
    DiamondVille (2008−2009)
    PassMark
    275+4%
    265
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Atom E660 uses the BGA676 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Atom N270 uses PBGA437 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Atom E660 versus DDR2-533 on the Atom N270 — the Atom E660 supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 2 GB of RAM. Both feature 1-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 4 (Atom E660) vs 0 (Atom N270) — the Atom E660 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA518 (Atom E660) and Intel PBGA437 (Atom N270).

    FeatureAtom E660Atom N270
    Socket
    BGA676
    PBGA437
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0
    PCIe 2.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR2-800+50%
    DDR2-533
    Max RAM Capacity
    2 GB
    2 GB
    RAM Channels
    1
    1
    ECC Support
    No
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    4
    0
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    The Atom E660 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 600), while the Atom N270 requires a dedicated GPU.

    FeatureAtom E660Atom N270
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    No
    IGPU Model
    Intel GMA 600