Atom Z515 vs Atom Z520

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 Z515 vs Atom Z520 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 Z515 vs Atom Z520: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom Z515

2009

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (195 vs 215).
❌32400% higher power demand at 650W vs 2W.

Atom Z520

2008

Why buy it

✅+10.3% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 2W instead of 650W, a 648W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom Z520 better than Atom Z515?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Atom Z515 is ahead with 3900% higher max boost clock. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Atom Z520 pulls ahead with 10.3% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Atom Z520 is the stronger fit. You are getting 10.3% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 2 threads.

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

Atom Z520 still makes the most sense overall. Atom Z520 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 10.3% better PassMark.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Atom Z515 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom Z515 vs Atom Z520 Technical Specifications

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

Atom Z515

The Atom Z515 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 April 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Silverthorne (2008−2010) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 1.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PBGA441. Thermal design power (TDP): 1.4 Watt. Memory support: unknown. Passmark benchmark score: 195 points. Launch price was $69.

Atom Z520

The Atom Z520 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Silverthorne (2008−2010) architecture. It features 1 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.33 GHz, with boost up to 0.03 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PBGA441. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 215 points. Launch price was $65.

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Processing Power

The Atom Z515 packs 1 cores / 1 threads, matching the Atom Z520's 1 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.2 GHz on the Atom Z515 versus 0.03 GHz on the Atom Z520 — a 190.2% clock advantage for the Atom Z515 (base: 1.2 GHz vs 1.33 GHz). Both are built on the Silverthorne (2008−2010) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Atom Z515 scores 195 against the Atom Z520's 215 — a 9.8% lead for the Atom Z520. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	Atom Z515	Atom Z520
Cores / Threads	1 / 1	1 / 2
Boost Clock	1.2 GHz+3900%	0.03 GHz
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	1.33 GHz+11%
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	512 kB (per core)	512 kB
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Silverthorne (2008−2010)	Silverthorne (2008−2010)
PassMark	195	215+10%

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PBGA441 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to DDR2-533 memory speed. Both support up to 2 GB of RAM. Both feature 1-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel US15W (Atom Z515) and Intel US15W (Atom Z520).