Atom S1260
VS
Xeon 3.20

Atom S1260 vs Xeon 3.20

Intel

Atom S1260

2 Cores4 Thrd9 WWMax: 2 GHz2012
VS
Intel

Xeon 3.20

1 Cores1 Thrd97 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2003

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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Atom S1260 is positioned at rank 749 and the Xeon 3.20 is on rank 1030, so the Atom S1260 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

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 S1260

#1
Xeon Platinum 8454H
MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A
14973%
#6
Xeon Gold 6240R
MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A
2827%
#10
Xeon 6337P
MSRP: $60|Avg: $5
2512%
#15
EPYC 9174F
MSRP: $194|Avg: $30
1940%
#434
Xeon W-3225
MSRP: $1319|Avg: $850
100%
#435
Xeon Gold 6354
MSRP: $2878|Avg: $2898
99%
#436
Xeon Gold 5218T
MSRP: $1572|Avg: $1349
98%
#437
Xeon 6960P
MSRP: $9625|Avg: $9625
98%
#438
EPYC 9555
MSRP: $9826|Avg: $7973
98%
#439
Xeon Gold 6338
MSRP: $2990|Avg: $1604
97%
#440
Xeon Gold 6538N
MSRP: $3351|Avg: $170
97%
#749
Atom S1260
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#750
Xeon E3-1260L
MSRP: $294|Avg: $270
100%
#758
Xeon E3-1281 v3
MSRP: $555|Avg: $636
98%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Xeon 3.20

#1
Xeon Platinum 8454H
MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A
305622%
#6
Xeon Gold 6240R
MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A
57704%
#10
Xeon 6337P
MSRP: $60|Avg: $5
51268%
#15
EPYC 9174F
MSRP: $194|Avg: $30
39606%
#1029
Xeon Platinum 8260L
MSRP: $7500|Avg: $750
100%
#1030
Xeon 3.20
MSRP: $851|Avg: $10
100%
#1031
Xeon X5355
MSRP: $4491|Avg: $4000
66%
#1032
Xeon E5420
MSRP: $7214|Avg: $6500
41%
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 Atom S1260 (2012) utilizes 32 nm technology and DDR3, providing a fundamental performance advantage.
InsightAtom S1260Xeon 3.20
Gaming
Lower gaming performance
Superior gaming performance
Workstation
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Better multi-core power
Price
More affordable ($0)
⚠️ Higher cost ($10)
Longevity
🛑 Legacy (Centerton (2012) / 32 nm)
🛑 Legacy (Gallatin (2003−2004) / 130 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Xeon 3.20 (2003) relies on 130 nm technology and older memory, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.
InsightAtom S1260Xeon 3.20
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost
More affordable ($0)
⚠️ Higher cost ($10)

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 S1260 and Xeon 3.20

Intel

Atom S1260

The Atom S1260 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 December 2012 (12 years ago). It is based on the Centerton (2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1283. Thermal design power (TDP): 8.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 555 points. Launch price was $64.

Intel

Xeon 3.20

The Xeon 3.20 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Gallatin (2003−2004) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: PGA604. Thermal design power (TDP): 97 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 575 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Atom S1260 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon 3.20 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Atom S1260 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Atom S1260 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon 3.20 — a 46.2% clock advantage for the Xeon 3.20. The Atom S1260 uses the Centerton (2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon 3.20 uses Gallatin (2003−2004) (130 nm). In PassMark, the Atom S1260 scores 555 against the Xeon 3.20's 575 — a 3.5% lead for the Xeon 3.20. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom S1260 vs 2 MB on the Xeon 3.20.

FeatureAtom S1260Xeon 3.20
Cores / Threads
2 / 4+100%
1 / 1
Boost Clock
2 GHz
3.2 GHz+60%
Base Clock
2 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
2 MB
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)
512 kB
Process
32 nm-75%
130 nm
Architecture
Centerton (2012)
Gallatin (2003−2004)
PassMark
555
575+4%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Atom S1260 uses the FCBGA1283 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon 3.20 uses PGA604 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAtom S1260Xeon 3.20
Socket
FCBGA1283
PGA604
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
RAM Channels
1
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
8