Atom Z2580 vs Core 2 Duo E8500
Atom Z2580
Core 2 Duo E8500
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 Z2580 is positioned at rank 9 and the Core 2 Duo E8500 is on rank 427, so the Atom Z2580 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Atom Z2580
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E8500
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom Z2580 | Core 2 Duo E8500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($26) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clovertrail (2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom Z2580 | Core 2 Duo E8500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($26) |
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 Z2580 and Core 2 Duo E8500
Atom Z2580
The Atom Z2580 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: 2 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: 1,303 points. Launch price was $69.
Core 2 Duo E8500
The Core 2 Duo E8500 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 3.16 GHz, with boost up to 3.17 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,297 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Atom Z2580 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo E8500's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Atom Z2580 versus 3.17 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8500 — a 45.3% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8500. The Atom Z2580 uses the Clovertrail (2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E8500 uses Wolfdale (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom Z2580 scores 1,303 against the Core 2 Duo E8500's 1,297 — a 0.5% lead for the Atom Z2580. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Atom Z2580 | Core 2 Duo E8500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2 GHz | 3.17 GHz+59% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.16 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 6 MB (total)+1100% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Clovertrail (2013) | Wolfdale (2008−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,303 | 1,297 |
Memory & Platform
The Atom Z2580 uses the FC-MB4760 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo E8500 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR2-1066 on the Atom Z2580 versus 1333 on the Core 2 Duo E8500 — the Core 2 Duo E8500 supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Duo E8500 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 Z2580) vs 16 (Core 2 Duo E8500) — the Core 2 Duo E8500 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel BGA1264 (Atom Z2580) and P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E8500).
| Feature | Atom Z2580 | Core 2 Duo E8500 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FC-MB4760 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR2-1066 | 1333+66550% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2 GB+13107100% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Atom Z2580) / true (Core 2 Duo E8500). The Atom Z2580 includes integrated graphics (PowerVR SGX544MP2), while the Core 2 Duo E8500 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E8500 rivals Phenom II X2 550.
| Feature | Atom Z2580 | Core 2 Duo E8500 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | PowerVR SGX544MP2 | None |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
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