Atom E660 vs Atom N280

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 N280 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 E660 vs Atom N280: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel GMA 600, while Atom N280 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (275 vs 285).
❌20% higher power demand at 3W vs 2.5W.

Atom N280

2009

Why buy it

✅+3.6% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 3W instead of 3W, a 1W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Atom E660 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom N280 better than Atom E660?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Atom E660 is ahead with 1757.1% higher max boost clock. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Atom N280 pulls ahead with 3.6% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Atom N280 is the stronger fit. You are getting 3.6% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 2 threads.

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

Atom N280 still makes the most sense overall. Atom N280 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 3.6% better 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 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom E660 vs Atom N280 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Atom N280

The Atom N280 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the DiamondVille (2008−2009) architecture. It features 1 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.66 GHz, with boost up to 0.07 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: 285 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Atom E660 and Atom N280 share an identical 1-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.3 GHz on the Atom E660 versus 0.07 GHz on the Atom N280 — a 179.6% clock advantage for the Atom E660. The Atom E660 uses the Tunnel Creek (2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Atom N280 uses DiamondVille (2008−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom E660 scores 275 against the Atom N280's 285 — a 3.6% lead for the Atom N280. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	Atom E660	Atom N280
Cores / Threads	1 / 2	1 / 2
Boost Clock	1.3 GHz+1757%	0.07 GHz
Base Clock	—	1.66 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	285+4%

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Memory & Platform

The Atom E660 uses the BGA676 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Atom N280 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 N280 — 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 N280) — the Atom E660 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA518 (Atom E660) and Intel PBGA437 (Atom N280).