Atom N455 vs Atom Z550

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 N455 vs Atom Z550 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 N455 vs Atom Z550: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom N455

2010

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel GMA 3150, while Atom Z550 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (345 vs 375).
❌21233.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 2.4W.

Atom Z550

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 510W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Atom N455 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom Z550 better than Atom N455?

Yes. Atom Z550 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 8.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Atom Z550 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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 Z550 is the stronger fit. You are getting 8.7% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 2 threads.

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

Atom Z550 still makes the most sense overall. Atom Z550 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Atom N455 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 N455 vs Atom Z550 Technical Specifications

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

Atom N455

The Atom N455 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Pinetrail (2009−2011) architecture. It features 1 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.66 GHz, with boost up to 1.67 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA559. Thermal design power (TDP): 6.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 345 points. Launch price was $64.

Atom Z550

The Atom Z550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 April 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Silverthorne (2008−2010) architecture. It features 1 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PBGA441. Thermal design power (TDP): 2.4 Watt. Memory support: unknown. Passmark benchmark score: 375 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Atom N455 and Atom Z550 share an identical 1-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.67 GHz on the Atom N455 versus 2 GHz on the Atom Z550 — a 18% clock advantage for the Atom Z550 (base: 1.66 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Atom N455 uses the Pinetrail (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Atom Z550 uses Silverthorne (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom N455 scores 345 against the Atom Z550's 375 — a 8.3% lead for the Atom Z550. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	Atom N455	Atom Z550
Cores / Threads	1 / 2	1 / 2
Boost Clock	1.67 GHz	2 GHz+20%
Base Clock	1.66 GHz	2 GHz+20%
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	512K (per core)	512 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Pinetrail (2009−2011)	Silverthorne (2008−2010)
PassMark	345	375+9%

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Memory & Platform

The Atom N455 uses the FCBGA559 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Atom Z550 uses PBGA441 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-667 on the Atom N455 versus DDR2-533 on the Atom Z550 — the Atom N455 supports 25.1% 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. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel NM10 (Atom N455) and Intel US15W (Atom Z550).

Feature	Atom N455	Atom Z550
Socket	FCBGA559	PBGA441
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-667+25%	DDR2-533
Max RAM Capacity	2 GB	2 GB
RAM Channels	1	1
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	0