Atom x5-Z8550 vs Core 2 Duo E7600

Atom x5-Z8550

4 Cores4 Thrd−WMax: 2.4 GHz2016

Core 2 Duo E7600

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 0.07 GHz2009

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Atom x5-Z8550

4 / 4

1,143

0.0%

1,150

+0.6%

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 x5-Z8550 is positioned at rank 723 and the Core 2 Duo E7600 is on rank 1019, so the Atom x5-Z8550 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 x5-Z8550

#711

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

1027%

#712

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

1012%

#713

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

929%

#714

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

924%

#715

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

916%

#717

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

885%

#718

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

848%

#719

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

847%

#720

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

824%

#723

Atom x5-Z8550

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E7600

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

36036%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

34051%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

24724%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

7448%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

5900%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

5161%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

2956%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

2917%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

2656%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

2656%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

2626%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

2556%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

2520%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

2510%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

2487%

#396

Ryzen Embedded R2314

MSRP: $300|Avg: $762

89%

#1019

Core 2 Duo E7600

MSRP: $133|Avg: $50

100%

#1020

Core 2 Duo E8700

MSRP: $256|Avg: $30

100%

#1021

Core i7-3970X

MSRP: $990|Avg: $60

100%

#1022

Core 2 Duo E6550

MSRP: $163|Avg: $20

99%

#1023

Phenom X3 8450

MSRP: $145|Avg: $147

97%

#1024

Core i7-3960X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $60

97%

#1025

Celeron 2.70

MSRP: $49|Avg: $49

96%

#1027

A10 PRO-7850B

MSRP: $426|Avg: $140

93%

#1028

Core 2 Quad Q8200

MSRP: $224|Avg: $36

93%

#1029

A12-9800E

MSRP: $426|Avg: $150

93%

#1030

Phenom II X6 1065T

MSRP: $426|Avg: $170

93%

#1031

Celeron 440

MSRP: $59|Avg: $10

92%

#1032

A8-3820

MSRP: $280|Avg: $200

90%

#1033

Core i7-860S

MSRP: $299|Avg: $96

90%

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 x5-Z8550 (2016) utilizes 14 nm technology and DDR3, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Atom x5-Z8550	Core 2 Duo E7600
Gaming	✅ Superior gaming performance	❌ Lower gaming performance
Workstation	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks	✅ Better multi-core power
Price	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($50)
Longevity	🛑 Legacy (Cherry Trail (2015−2016) / 14 nm)	🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core 2 Duo E7600 (2009) relies on 45 nm technology and DDR1, DDR2, DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Atom x5-Z8550	Core 2 Duo E7600
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($50)

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.

Atom x5-Z8550 Benchmark Check

Core 2 Duo E7600 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Atom x5-Z8550 and Core 2 Duo E7600

Atom x5-Z8550

The Atom x5-Z8550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 February 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.44 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: UTFCBGA1380. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,143 points. Launch price was $69.

Core 2 Duo E7600

The Core 2 Duo E7600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 0.07 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 3 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,150 points. Launch price was $249.

⚡

Processing Power

The Atom x5-Z8550 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Duo E7600 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Atom x5-Z8550 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Atom x5-Z8550 versus 0.07 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E7600 — a 188.7% clock advantage for the Atom x5-Z8550 (base: 1.44 GHz vs 3.06 GHz). The Atom x5-Z8550 uses the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E7600 uses Wolfdale (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom x5-Z8550 scores 1,143 against the Core 2 Duo E7600's 1,150 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Duo E7600. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	Atom x5-Z8550	Core 2 Duo E7600
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz+3329%	0.07 GHz
Base Clock	1.44 GHz	3.06 GHz+113%
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	2 MB	3 MB (total)+50%
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Cherry Trail (2015−2016)	Wolfdale (2008−2010)
PassMark	1,143	1,150
Geekbench 6 Single	—	422
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	690

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Atom x5-Z8550 uses the UTFCBGA1380 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo E7600 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to LPDDR3-1600 memory speed. The Core 2 Duo E7600 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 2 (Atom x5-Z8550) vs 16 (Core 2 Duo E7600) — the Core 2 Duo E7600 offers 14 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FC-UTBGA592 (Atom x5-Z8550) and P45,P43,G45,G43,P35,G33 (Core 2 Duo E7600).

Feature	Atom x5-Z8550	Core 2 Duo E7600
Socket	UTFCBGA1380	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+173%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR3-1600	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	❌	❌
PCIe Lanes	2	16+700%

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom x5-Z8550) / VT-x (Core 2 Duo E7600). The Atom x5-Z8550 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail)), while the Core 2 Duo E7600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo E7600 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E7600 rivals Athlon II X2 250.