Atom D525
CPU·Budget

Atom D525

Intel

PassMark

1,707

MSRP

$63

21 June 2010 (15 years ago)
13 Watt
Pinetrail (2009−2011)

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.

Overview

The Atom D525 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Pinetrail (2009−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.83 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA559. Thermal design power (TDP): 13 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,707 points. Launch price was $63.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Atom D525 is positioned at rank #31 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Great 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 D525

#19
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
172%
#20
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
169%
#21
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
155%
#22
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
155%
#23
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
153%
#25
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
148%
#26
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
142%
#27
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
142%
#28
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
138%
#31
Atom D525
MSRP: $63|Avg: N/A
100%
#32
Atom x7835RE
MSRP: $127|Avg: N/A
100%
#33
Core 2 Duo P8400
MSRP: $209|Avg: $10
98%
#38
Core 2 Duo T8100
MSRP: $209|Avg: $10
91%
#39
Atom 330
MSRP: $43|Avg: $30
90%
#43
Core 2 Duo SU7300
MSRP: $289|Avg: N/A
88%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Atom D525 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Atom D525 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Pinetrail (2009−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.83 GHz from a base frequency of 1.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 512K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,707, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationAtom D525
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost1.83 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency1.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designPinetrail (2009−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data512K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor66 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities176 million
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,707
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Atom D525 fits into the FCBGA559 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR2, DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 4 GB across 1 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel GMA 3150 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationAtom D525
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Atom
SocketMotherboard socket requiredFCBGA559
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR2, DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR3-800
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory4 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel1
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorIntel GMA 3150
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUIntel NM10
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Atom D525 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 13 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationAtom D525
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload13 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $63, the Atom D525 delivers 27 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #31 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3448 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationAtom D525
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$63
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$63
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#31
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#3448
Release DateLaunch date21 June 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Atom D525

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