Atom Z2580 vs Core i5-460M

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 Z2580 vs Core i5-460M 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 Z2580 vs Core i5-460M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom Z2580

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 3W instead of 35W, a 32W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,303 vs 1,321).

Core i5-460M

2010

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $80 MSRP, while Atom Z2580 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1066.7% higher power demand at 35W vs 3W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-460M better than Atom Z2580?

Yes. Core i5-460M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-460M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.9% 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, Core i5-460M is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-460M is the better buy right now. Core i5-460M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $80 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (16.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 Z2580 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom Z2580 vs Core i5-460M Technical Specifications

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

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 i5-460M

The Core i5-460M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 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: 1,321 points. Launch price was $80.

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Processing Power

Both the Atom Z2580 and Core i5-460M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Atom Z2580 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i5-460M — a 33.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-460M. The Atom Z2580 uses the Clovertrail (2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-460M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Atom Z2580 scores 1,303 against the Core i5-460M's 1,321 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i5-460M. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom Z2580 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-460M.

Feature	Atom Z2580	Core i5-460M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2 GHz	2.8 GHz+40%
Base Clock	—	2.53 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512K (per core)+100%	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Clovertrail (2013)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,303	1,321+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	343

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Memory & Platform

The Atom Z2580 uses the FC-MB4760 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-460M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to LPDDR2-1066 memory speed. The Core i5-460M supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Atom Z2580) vs 16 (Core i5-460M) — the Core i5-460M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel BGA1264 (Atom Z2580) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-460M).

Feature	Atom Z2580	Core i5-460M
Socket	FC-MB4760	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR2-1066	1066
Max RAM Capacity	2 GB	8 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom Z2580) / true (Core i5-460M). Both include integrated graphics — PowerVR SGX544MP2 (Atom Z2580) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-460M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-460M rivals AMD Turion II M620.