Atom N280
Intel
PassMark
285
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 N280 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the DiamondVille (2008−2009) architecture. It features 1 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.66 GHz, with boost up to 0.07 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PBGA437. Thermal design power (TDP): 2.5 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 285 points. Launch price was $69.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Atom N280 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
ARC Raiders
Counter-Strike 2
Dead by Daylight
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Final Fantasy XIV
League of Legends
Once Human
Palworld
Path of Exile 2
Phasmophobia
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Atom N280 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Atom N280 is a 1-core / 2-thread processor based on the DiamondVille (2008−2009) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 0.07 GHz from a base frequency of 1.66 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 512 kB of L2 cache and 56 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 285, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Atom N280 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 1C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 0.07 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 1.66 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | DiamondVille (2008−2009) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 45 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 0 kB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 512 kB |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 56 kB |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 25.9638 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 47 Million |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 666.66 MT/s |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 90 °C |
| 64-bit Support | No |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| Core Voltage Range | 0.9V-1.1625V |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 285 |
Memory & Platform
The Atom N280 fits into the PBGA437 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage.
| Specification | Atom N280 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | Intel Atom |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | PBGA437 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 2.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 0 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR2-533 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 2 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 1 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | No |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | No |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | Intel PBGA437 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Power & Cooling
The Atom N280 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 2.5 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Atom N280 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 2.5 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 90 °C |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #3666 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Atom N280 |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $69 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #3666 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 1 February 2009 (16 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2009 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
3 categories
General Information
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | Laptop |
| Series | Intel Atom |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $69 |
| Release Date | 1 February 2009 (16 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | DiamondVille (2008−2009) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 3666 |
Technical Specifications
17 specs
Technical Specifications
17 specs
| Cores | 1 |
| Threads | 2 |
| Bus Type | FSB |
| Die Size | 25.9638 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 56 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB |
| Bus Speed | 666.66 MT/s |
| Multiplier | 10 |
| Max Frequency | 0.07 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | - |
| Base Frequency | 1.66 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 47 Million |
| Process Technology | 45 nm |
| Allowed Core Voltage | 0.9V-1.1625V |
| Max Core Temperature | 90 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | PBGA437 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 2.5 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Atom N280
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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