Atom N435 vs Pentium 4 2.40

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 N435 vs Pentium 4 2.40 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 N435 vs Pentium 4 2.40: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom N435

2011

Why buy it

✅+3.1% higher PassMark.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel GMA 3150, while Pentium 4 2.40 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌365.5% higher power demand at 512W vs 110W.

Pentium 4 2.40

2004

Why buy it

✅Draws 110W instead of 512W, a 402W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (325 vs 335).
❌Launch MSRP is still $193 MSRP, while Atom N435 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Atom N435 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium 4 2.40 better than Atom N435?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium 4 2.40 is ahead with 80.5% higher max boost clock. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Atom N435 pulls ahead with 3.1% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Atom N435 is the stronger fit. You are getting 3.1% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium 4 2.40 is the better buy right now. Pentium 4 2.40 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $193 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 80.5% higher max boost clock. The compromise is that Atom N435 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 3.1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (1.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Atom N435 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2004) and more multi-core headroom with 1 cores / 2 threads instead of 1/1. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Atom N435 vs Pentium 4 2.40 Technical Specifications

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

Atom N435

The Atom N435 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Pinetrail (2009−2011) architecture. It features 1 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.33 GHz. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA559. Thermal design power (TDP): 512 kB. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 335 points. Launch price was $69.

Pentium 4 2.40

The Pentium 4 2.40 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 110 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 325 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Atom N435 packs 1 cores / 2 threads, matching the Pentium 4 2.40's 1 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.33 GHz on the Atom N435 versus 2.4 GHz on the Pentium 4 2.40 — a 57.4% clock advantage for the Pentium 4 2.40. The Atom N435 uses the Pinetrail (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium 4 2.40 uses NetBurst (2000−2006) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Atom N435 scores 335 against the Pentium 4 2.40's 325 — a 3% lead for the Atom N435.

Feature	Atom N435	Pentium 4 2.40
Cores / Threads	1 / 2	1 / 1
Boost Clock	1.33 GHz	2.4 GHz+80%
L3 Cache	—	0 kB
L2 Cache	512 kB	1 MB+100%
Process	45 nm-50%	90 nm
Architecture	Pinetrail (2009−2011)	NetBurst (2000−2006)
PassMark	335+3%	325

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Memory & Platform

The Atom N435 uses the FCBGA559 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium 4 2.40 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-800 on the Atom N435 versus 400 on the Pentium 4 2.40 — the Atom N435 supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Pentium 4 2.40 supports up to 4 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 1-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: Intel NM10 (Atom N435) and Socket 478 (Pentium 4 2.40).

Feature	Atom N435	Pentium 4 2.40
Socket	FCBGA559	PGA478
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0+82%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-800+100%	400
Max RAM Capacity	2 GB	4 GB+100%
RAM Channels	1	1
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom N435) / false (Pentium 4 2.40). The Atom N435 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 3150), while the Pentium 4 2.40 requires a dedicated GPU.