Atom E660 vs Atom Z540

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 Z540 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 Z540: 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 Z540 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Atom Z540 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (275 vs 305).
❌25% higher power demand at 3W vs 2.4W.

Atom Z540

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +14.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 2W 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 Z540 better than Atom E660?

Yes. Atom Z540 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 14.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 10.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Atom Z540 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 14.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Atom Z540 is the stronger fit. You are getting 10.9% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 2 threads.

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

Atom Z540 still makes the most sense overall. Atom Z540 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.3% average FPS lead across 50 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). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom E660 vs Atom Z540 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 Z540

The Atom Z540 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 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 0.07 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PBGA441. Thermal design power (TDP): 2.4 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 305 points. Launch price was $160.

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Processing Power

Both the Atom E660 and Atom Z540 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 Z540 — a 179.6% clock advantage for the Atom E660. The Atom E660 uses the Tunnel Creek (2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Atom Z540 uses Silverthorne (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom E660 scores 275 against the Atom Z540's 305 — a 10.3% lead for the Atom Z540. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	Atom E660	Atom Z540
Cores / Threads	1 / 2	1 / 2
Boost Clock	1.3 GHz+1757%	0.07 GHz
Base Clock	—	1.86 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	305+11%

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Memory & Platform

The Atom E660 uses the BGA676 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Atom Z540 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 Z540 — 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 Z540) — the Atom E660 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA518 (Atom E660) and Intel US15W (Atom Z540).