CPU
GPU
Pentium G6960
Atom N550
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 Pentium G6960 is positioned at rank 881 and the Atom N550 is on rank 618, so the Atom N550 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G6960
Performance Per Dollar Atom N550
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Pentium G6960 | Atom N550 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Pineview (2009−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Pentium G6960 | Atom N550 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Pentium G6960 and Atom N550
Pentium G6960
The Pentium G6960 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 0.93 GHz. L3 cache: 3072 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,433 points. Launch price was $69.
Atom N550
The Atom N550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 August 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Pineview (2009−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 1.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA559. Thermal design power (TDP): 8.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,435 points. Launch price was $86.
Processing Power
The Pentium G6960 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Atom N550's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 0.93 GHz on the Pentium G6960 versus 1.5 GHz on the Atom N550 — a 46.9% clock advantage for the Atom N550 (base: 2.93 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). The Pentium G6960 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Atom N550 uses Pineview (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium G6960 scores 1,433 against the Atom N550's 1,435 — a 0.1% lead for the Atom N550. L3 cache: 3072 kB (total) on the Pentium G6960 vs 0 kB on the Atom N550.
| Feature | Pentium G6960 | Atom N550 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 0.93 GHz | 1.5 GHz+61% |
| Base Clock | 2.93 GHz+95% | 1.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3072 kB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Clarkdale (2010−2011) | Pineview (2009−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,433 | 1,435 |
Memory & Platform
The Pentium G6960 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Atom N550 uses FCBGA559 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Pentium G6960 | Atom N550 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | FCBGA559 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-667 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 2 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 1 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 0 |
Advanced Features
The Atom N550 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 3150), while the Pentium G6960 requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Pentium G6960 | Atom N550 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel GMA 3150 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Pentium G6960 and Atom N550
