Atom Z520 vs Ryzen 5 5600

Atom Z520

1 Cores2 Thrd2 WWMax: 0.03 GHz2008

Ryzen 5 5600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Atom Z520

1 / 2

215

0.0%

21,550

+9923.3%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

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. The Atom Z520 is positioned at rank #523 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Atom Z520

#167

Core Ultra 7 258V

MSRP: $450|Avg: $400

98%

#511

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

682%

#512

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

672%

#513

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

617%

#514

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

614%

#515

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

609%

#517

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

588%

#518

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

564%

#519

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

563%

#520

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

548%

#523

Atom Z520

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 5600

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

135%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

123%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

123%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

121%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

118%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

116%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

116%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

115%

#16

Core Ultra 5 225F

MSRP: $231|Avg: $150

112%

#17

Core Ultra 7 265K

MSRP: $309|Avg: $285

110%

#18

Ryzen 9 3900

MSRP: $499|Avg: $150

109%

#19

Ryzen 5 3600X

MSRP: $249|Avg: $90

108%

#20

Core i7-14700KF

MSRP: $384|Avg: $260

107%

#21

Core i7-14700K

MSRP: $409|Avg: $270

103%

#22

Ryzen 5 4500

MSRP: $129|Avg: $85

101%

#23

Ryzen 5 5600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $115

100%

#24

Celeron G5925

MSRP: $62|Avg: $15

100%

#25

Ryzen 5 7500F

MSRP: $179|Avg: $145

98%

#26

Core Ultra 5 245

MSRP: $319|Avg: $220

97%

#27

Ryzen 7 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $86

97%

#28

Core Ultra 7 265KF

MSRP: $379|Avg: $323

97%

#29

Core Ultra 7 265F

MSRP: $369|Avg: $276

95%

#30

Core i5-12400F

MSRP: $174|Avg: $110

95%

#31

Ryzen 3 PRO 5355G

MSRP: $130|Avg: $80

94%

#32

Ryzen 7 2700X

MSRP: $329|Avg: $100

93%

#33

Core i3-10100F

MSRP: $88|Avg: $50

93%

#34

Ryzen 5 7400F

MSRP: $150|Avg: $147

93%

#35

Ryzen 5 9600X

MSRP: $279|Avg: $178

90%

#36

Ryzen 7 3800X

MSRP: $399|Avg: $140

88%

#37

Ryzen 3 5300G

MSRP: $130|Avg: $80

87%

#38

Ryzen 9 7900X

MSRP: $549|Avg: $316

87%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Ryzen 5 5600 (2022) utilizes 7 nm technology and DDR4-3200, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Atom Z520	Ryzen 5 5600
Gaming	❌ Lower gaming performance	✅ Superior gaming performance
Workstation	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks	✅ Better multi-core power
Price	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($115)
Longevity	🛑 Legacy (Silverthorne (2008−2010) / 45 nm)	✨ Modern (Vermeer (2020−2025) / 7 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Atom Z520 (2008) relies on 45 nm technology and older memory, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Atom Z520	Ryzen 5 5600
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($115)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Atom Z520 Benchmark Check

Ryzen 5 5600 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Atom Z520 and Ryzen 5 5600

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.

Ryzen 5 5600

The Ryzen 5 5600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 21,550 points. Launch price was $299.

⚡

Processing Power

The Atom Z520 packs 1 cores / 2 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600 has 5 more cores. Boost clocks reach 0.03 GHz on the Atom Z520 versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600 — a 197.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600 (base: 1.33 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Atom Z520 uses the Silverthorne (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses Vermeer (2020−2025) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Atom Z520 scores 215 against the Ryzen 5 5600's 21,550 — a 196% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom Z520 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 5600.

Feature	Atom Z520	Ryzen 5 5600
Cores / Threads	1 / 2	6 / 12+500%
Boost Clock	0.03 GHz	4.4 GHz+14567%
Base Clock	1.33 GHz	3.5 GHz+163%
L3 Cache	0 kB	32 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB	512K (per core)
Process	45 nm	7 nm-84%
Architecture	Silverthorne (2008−2010)	Vermeer (2020−2025)
PassMark	215	21,550+9923%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	11,077
Geekbench 6 Single	—	2,052
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	8,600

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Atom Z520 uses the PBGA441 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-533 on the Atom Z520 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600 — the Ryzen 5 5600 supports 66.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 5600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB — 193.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom Z520) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 5600). PCIe lanes: 0 (Atom Z520) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600) — the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel US15W (Atom Z520) and B550,X570,B450,X470,A520 (Ryzen 5 5600).

Feature	Atom Z520	Ryzen 5 5600
Socket	PBGA441	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 4.0+100%
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-533	DDR4-3200+100%
Max RAM Capacity	2 GB	128 GB+6300%
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	❌	✅
PCIe Lanes	0	24

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 5600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Atom Z520) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600). Primary use case: Atom Z520 targets Mobile, Ryzen 5 5600 targets Desktop.