CPU
GPU
Atom Z2560
Core 2 Duo E6300
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 Z2560 is positioned at rank 104 and the Core 2 Duo E6300 is on rank 1058, so the Atom Z2560 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Atom Z2560
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E6300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom Z2560 | Core 2 Duo E6300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($5) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clovertrail (2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Conroe (2006−2007) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom Z2560 | Core 2 Duo E6300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($5) |
Performance Check
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 Z2560 and Core 2 Duo E6300
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.
Core 2 Duo E6300
The Core 2 Duo E6300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.87 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,055 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Atom Z2560 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo E6300's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Atom Z2560 versus 1.87 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E6300 — a 15.6% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E6300. The Atom Z2560 uses the Clovertrail (2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E6300 uses Conroe (2006−2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Atom Z2560 scores 1,056 against the Core 2 Duo E6300's 1,055 — a 0.1% lead for the Atom Z2560. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Atom Z2560 | Core 2 Duo E6300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 1.6 GHz | 1.87 GHz+17% |
| Base Clock | — | 1.86 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 2 MB+300% |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Clovertrail (2013) | Conroe (2006−2007) |
| PassMark | 1,056 | 1,055 |
Memory & Platform
The Atom Z2560 uses the FC-MB4760 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo E6300 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR2-1066 on the Atom Z2560 versus 1066 on the Core 2 Duo E6300 — the Core 2 Duo E6300 supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Duo E6300 supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 2 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Atom Z2560) vs 16 (Core 2 Duo E6300) — the Core 2 Duo E6300 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel BGA1264 (Atom Z2560) and P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E6300).
| Feature | Atom Z2560 | Core 2 Duo E6300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FC-MB4760 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR2-1066 | 1066+53200% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2 GB+13107100% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Atom Z2560) / true (Core 2 Duo E6300). The Atom Z2560 includes integrated graphics (PowerVR SGX544MP2), while the Core 2 Duo E6300 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E6300 rivals Athlon 64 X2 3800+.
| Feature | Atom Z2560 | Core 2 Duo E6300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | PowerVR SGX544MP2 | None |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
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