Atom S1260
CPU·Budget

Atom S1260

Intel

PassMark

555

11 December 2012 (12 years ago)
8.5 Watt
Centerton (2012)

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 S1260 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 December 2012 (12 years ago). It is based on the Centerton (2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1283. Thermal design power (TDP): 8.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 555 points. Launch price was $64.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Atom S1260 is positioned at rank #749 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 S1260

#1
Xeon Platinum 8454H
MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A
14973%
#6
Xeon Gold 6240R
MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A
2827%
#10
Xeon 6337P
MSRP: $60|Avg: $5
2512%
#15
EPYC 9174F
MSRP: $194|Avg: $30
1940%
#434
Xeon W-3225
MSRP: $1319|Avg: $850
100%
#435
Xeon Gold 6354
MSRP: $2878|Avg: $2898
99%
#436
Xeon Gold 5218T
MSRP: $1572|Avg: $1349
98%
#437
Xeon 6960P
MSRP: $9625|Avg: $9625
98%
#438
EPYC 9555
MSRP: $9826|Avg: $7973
98%
#439
Xeon Gold 6338
MSRP: $2990|Avg: $1604
97%
#440
Xeon Gold 6538N
MSRP: $3351|Avg: $170
97%
#749
Atom S1260
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#750
Xeon E3-1260L
MSRP: $294|Avg: $270
100%
#758
Xeon E3-1281 v3
MSRP: $555|Avg: $636
98%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Atom S1260 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Atom S1260 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Centerton (2012) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2 GHz from a base frequency of 2 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 (per core) of L2 cache and 56 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 555, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationAtom S1260
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designCenterton (2012)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data512 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache56 kB (per core)
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score555
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Atom S1260 fits into the FCBGA1283 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 8 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 8 GB across 1 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.

SpecificationAtom S1260
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorserver
SocketMotherboard socket requiredFCBGA1283
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion8
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR3-1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory8 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel1
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionYes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorNo
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUIntel BGA1283
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Atom S1260 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 8.5 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationAtom S1260
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload8.5 Watt
💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #749 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3371 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationAtom S1260
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$64
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#749
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#3371
Release DateLaunch date11 December 2012 (12 years ago)
Release Year2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Atom S1260

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Compare Atom S1260

See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives

Compare with other CPUs