Atom N2600
VS
Ryzen 5 5600X

Atom N2600 vs Ryzen 5 5600X

Intel

Atom N2600

2 Cores4 Thrd4 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2011
VS
AMD

Ryzen 5 5600X

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2020

Performance Spectrum - CPU

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Atom N2600 is positioned at rank #40 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Great cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Atom N2600

#10
Ryzen 7 260
MSRP: $199|Avg: $70
93%
#28
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
192%
#29
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
189%
#30
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
174%
#31
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
173%
#32
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
171%
#34
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
165%
#35
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
159%
#36
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
158%
#37
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
154%
#40
Atom N2600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#43
Core 2 Duo SU7300
MSRP: $289|Avg: N/A
98%
#51
Celeron N2807
MSRP: $107|Avg: $60
91%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 5600X

#24
Celeron G5925
MSRP: $62|Avg: $15
116%
#25
Ryzen 5 7500F
MSRP: $179|Avg: $145
114%
#26
Core Ultra 5 245
MSRP: $319|Avg: $220
113%
#27
Ryzen 7 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $86
112%
#28
Core Ultra 7 265KF
MSRP: $379|Avg: $323
112%
#29
Core Ultra 7 265F
MSRP: $369|Avg: $276
110%
#30
Core i5-12400F
MSRP: $174|Avg: $110
110%
#31
Ryzen 3 PRO 5355G
MSRP: $130|Avg: $80
108%
#32
Ryzen 7 2700X
MSRP: $329|Avg: $100
108%
#33
Core i3-10100F
MSRP: $88|Avg: $50
108%
#34
Ryzen 5 7400F
MSRP: $150|Avg: $147
107%
#35
Ryzen 5 9600X
MSRP: $279|Avg: $178
104%
#36
Ryzen 7 3800X
MSRP: $399|Avg: $140
102%
#37
Ryzen 3 5300G
MSRP: $130|Avg: $80
101%
#38
Ryzen 9 7900X
MSRP: $549|Avg: $316
100%
#39
Ryzen 5 5600X
MSRP: $299|Avg: $135
100%
#40
Core i5-14600KF
MSRP: $304|Avg: $239
100%
#41
Ryzen 7 5800
MSRP: $349|Avg: $160
99%
#42
Core i3-14100F
MSRP: $109|Avg: $96
99%
#43
Ryzen 7 3700X
MSRP: $329|Avg: $140
99%
#44
Ryzen 5 7600X
MSRP: $299|Avg: $178
98%
#45
Ryzen 3 3100
MSRP: $99|Avg: $75
98%
#46
Core i5-13490F
MSRP: $235|Avg: $170
97%
#47
Ryzen 5 5600F
MSRP: $99|Avg: $129
97%
#48
Ryzen 9 PRO 3900
MSRP: $499|Avg: $200
97%
#49
Ryzen 3 4300GE
MSRP: $94|Avg: $72
96%
#50
Ryzen 5 PRO 2400GE
MSRP: $169|Avg: $50
96%
#51
Core Ultra 5 225
MSRP: $240|Avg: $200
96%
#52
Core i5-11500
MSRP: $192|Avg: $110
96%
#53
Core i3-12100F
MSRP: $97|Avg: $90
96%
#54
Core Ultra 7 265
MSRP: $384|Avg: $320
96%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Ryzen 5 5600X (2020) utilizes 7 nm, 12 nm technology and DDR4, providing a fundamental performance advantage.
InsightAtom N2600Ryzen 5 5600X
Gaming
Lower gaming performance
Superior gaming performance
Workstation
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Better multi-core power
Price
More affordable ($0)
⚠️ Higher cost ($135)
Longevity
🛑 Legacy (Cedarview-M (2011−2012) / 32 nm)
✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Atom N2600 (2011) relies on 32 nm technology and DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.
InsightAtom N2600Ryzen 5 5600X
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost
More affordable ($0)
⚠️ Higher cost ($135)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.

Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Atom N2600 and Ryzen 5 5600X

Intel

Atom N2600

The Atom N2600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 December 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Cedarview-M (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA559. Thermal design power (TDP): 3.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,528 points. Launch price was $47.

AMD

Ryzen 5 5600X

The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.

Processing Power

The Atom N2600 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Atom N2600 versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X — a 96.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 1.6 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Atom N2600 uses the Cedarview-M (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Atom N2600 scores 1,528 against the Ryzen 5 5600X's 21,845 — a 173.9% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom N2600 vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X.

FeatureAtom N2600Ryzen 5 5600X
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock
1.6 GHz
4.6 GHz+187%
Base Clock
1.6 GHz
3.7 GHz+131%
L3 Cache
0 kB
32 MB
L2 Cache
512K (per core)
512K (per core)
Process
32 nm
7 nm, 12 nm-78%
Architecture
Cedarview-M (2011−2012)
Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022)
PassMark
1,528
21,845+1330%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Atom N2600 uses the FCBGA559 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-800 on the Atom N2600 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600X — the Ryzen 5 5600X supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 5600X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB 193.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom N2600) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 5600X). PCIe lanes: 4 (Atom N2600) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) — the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel NM10 (Atom N2600) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X).

FeatureAtom N2600Ryzen 5 5600X
Socket
FCBGA559
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 4.0+100%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-800
DDR4-3200+33%
Max RAM Capacity
2 GB
128 GB+6300%
RAM Channels
1
2+100%
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
4
24+500%
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom N2600) / AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600X). The Atom N2600 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 3600), while the Ryzen 5 5600X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop.

FeatureAtom N2600Ryzen 5 5600X
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel GMA 3600
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Target Use
Desktop