Atom Z2560 vs Celeron B840

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 Z2560 vs Celeron B840 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 Z2560 vs Celeron B840: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom Z2560

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,056 vs 1,065).

Celeron B840

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $86 MSRP, while Atom Z2560 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron B840 better than Atom Z2560?

Yes. Celeron B840 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Celeron B840 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.8% 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, Celeron B840 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Celeron B840 is the better buy right now. Celeron B840 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $86 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (12.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 Z2560 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom Z2560 vs Celeron B840 Technical Specifications

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

Atom Z2560

The Atom Z2560 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 February 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Clovertrail (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FC-MB4760. Thermal design power (TDP): 3 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,056 points. Launch price was $69.

Celeron B840

The Celeron B840 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 July 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,065 points. Launch price was $86.

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Processing Power

The Atom Z2560 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Celeron B840's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Atom Z2560 versus 1.9 GHz on the Celeron B840 — a 17.1% clock advantage for the Celeron B840. The Atom Z2560 uses the Clovertrail (2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Celeron B840 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Atom Z2560 scores 1,056 against the Celeron B840's 1,065 — a 0.8% lead for the Celeron B840. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom Z2560 vs 2 MB (total) on the Celeron B840.

Feature	Atom Z2560	Celeron B840
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.6 GHz	1.9 GHz+19%
Base Clock	—	1.9 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512K (per core)+100%	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Clovertrail (2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,056	1,065
Geekbench 6 Single	—	450
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	790

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Memory & Platform

The Atom Z2560 uses the FC-MB4760 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Celeron B840 uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR2-1066 on the Atom Z2560 versus 1333 on the Celeron B840 — the Celeron B840 supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron B840 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Atom Z2560) vs 16 (Celeron B840) — the Celeron B840 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel BGA1264 (Atom Z2560) and HM65,HM67,QM67 (Celeron B840).

Feature	Atom Z2560	Celeron B840
Socket	FC-MB4760	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR2-1066	1333+25%
Max RAM Capacity	2 GB	16 GB+700%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom Z2560) / true (Celeron B840). Both include integrated graphics — PowerVR SGX544MP2 (Atom Z2560) and Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) (Celeron B840) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron B840 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron B840 rivals Pentium B940.