Atom N570 vs Core i3-550

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 N570 vs Core i3-550 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 N570 vs Core i3-550: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom N570

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 9W instead of 73W, a 64W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,630 vs 1,632).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-550.

Core i3-550

2010

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Atom N570.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $138 MSRP, while Atom N570 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌711.1% higher power demand at 73W vs 9W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-550 better than Atom N570?

Yes. Core i3-550 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-550 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% 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, Core i3-550 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-550 is the better buy right now. Core i3-550 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $138 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 N570 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom N570 vs Core i3-550 Technical Specifications

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

Atom N570

The Atom N570 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Pineview (2009−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 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): 8.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,630 points. Launch price was $86.

Core i3-550

The Core i3-550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,632 points. Launch price was $101.

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Processing Power

Both the Atom N570 and Core i3-550 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.67 GHz on the Atom N570 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-550 — a 62.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-550 (base: 1.66 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Atom N570 uses the Pineview (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-550 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Atom N570 scores 1,630 against the Core i3-550's 1,632 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-550. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom N570 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-550.

Feature	Atom N570	Core i3-550
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.67 GHz	3.2 GHz+92%
Base Clock	1.66 GHz	3.2 GHz+93%
L3 Cache	0 kB	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512K (per core)+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Pineview (2009−2011)	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,630	1,632
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	1,320
Geekbench 6 Single	—	437
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	899

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Memory & Platform

The Atom N570 uses the FCBGA559 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-550 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-667 on the Atom N570 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-550 — the Core i3-550 supports 99.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-550 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom N570) vs 2 (Core i3-550). PCIe lanes: 0 (Atom N570) vs 16 (Core i3-550) — the Core i3-550 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel NM10 (Atom N570) and H55,H57,P55,Q57 (Core i3-550).

Feature	Atom N570	Core i3-550
Socket	FCBGA559	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-667	DDR3-1333+100%
Max RAM Capacity	2 GB	16 GB+700%
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom N570) / Yes (Core i3-550). Both include integrated graphics — Intel GMA 3150 (Atom N570) and Intel HD Graphics (Core i3-550) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU.