Atom E660 vs Atom Z530

Intel

Atom E660

1 Cores2 Thrd3 WWMax: 1.3 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Atom Z530

1 Cores2 Thrd2.2 WWMax: 0.1 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Atom E660 vs Atom Z530 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 Z530: 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

  • Better for gaming: +16.7% higher average FPS across 43 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel GMA 600, while Atom Z530 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • 36.4% higher power demand at 3W vs 2.2W.

Atom Z530

2008

Why buy it

  • Draws 2W instead of 3W, a 1W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Atom E660 across 43 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (255 vs 275).
  • No integrated graphics, while Atom E660 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom E660 better than Atom Z530?
Yes. Atom E660 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 16.7% average FPS lead across 43 shared CPU game tests in our data, 7.8% 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 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 16.7% more average FPS across 43 shared CPU game tests.
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 7.8% 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 a 16.7% average FPS lead across 43 shared CPU game tests in our data.
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 Z530 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 Z530

The Atom Z530 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Silverthorne (2008−2010) 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: PBGA441. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 255 points. Launch price was $95.

Processing Power

Both the Atom E660 and Atom Z530 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 Z530 — a 171.4% clock advantage for the Atom E660. The Atom E660 uses the Tunnel Creek (2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Atom Z530 uses Silverthorne (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom E660 scores 275 against the Atom Z530's 255 — a 7.5% lead for the Atom E660. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureAtom E660Atom Z530
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)
Silverthorne (2008−2010)
PassMark
275+8%
255
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Memory & Platform

The Atom E660 uses the BGA676 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Atom Z530 uses PBGA441 (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 Z530 — 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 Z530) — the Atom E660 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA518 (Atom E660) and Intel US15W (Atom Z530).

FeatureAtom E660Atom Z530
Socket
BGA676
PBGA441
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
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Advanced Features

The Atom E660 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 600), while the Atom Z530 requires a dedicated GPU.

FeatureAtom E660Atom Z530
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel GMA 600