Atom N570 vs Phenom II X4 N970

Atom N570 vs Phenom II X4 N970 Performance Spectrum

Atom N570

2 / 4

1,630

0.0%

1,647

+1.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Atom N570 vs Phenom II X4 N970 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 Phenom II X4 N970: 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

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel GMA 3150, while Phenom II X4 N970 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,630 vs 1,647).
❌350% higher power demand at 9W vs 2W.

Phenom II X4 N970

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 9W, a 7W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Atom N570 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X4 N970 better than Atom N570?

Yes. Phenom II X4 N970 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 26 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Phenom II X4 N970 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% more average FPS across 26 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X4 N970 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Phenom II X4 N970 still makes the most sense overall. Phenom II X4 N970 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 26 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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 Phenom II X4 N970 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.

Phenom II X4 N970

The Phenom II X4 N970 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,647 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Atom N570 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X4 N970 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 N970 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.67 GHz on the Atom N570 versus 2.2 GHz on the Phenom II X4 N970 — a 27.4% clock advantage for the Phenom II X4 N970. The Atom N570 uses the Pineview (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Phenom II X4 N970 uses Champlain (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom N570 scores 1,630 against the Phenom II X4 N970's 1,647 — a 1% lead for the Phenom II X4 N970.

Feature	Atom N570	Phenom II X4 N970
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	1.67 GHz	2.2 GHz+32%
Base Clock	1.66 GHz	—
L3 Cache	0 kB	—
L2 Cache	512K (per core)+25500%	2 MB
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Pineview (2009−2011)	Champlain (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,630	1,647+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Atom N570 uses the FCBGA559 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom II X4 N970 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.