Atom Z2560
CPU·Budget

Atom Z2560

Intel

PassMark

1,056

27 February 2013 (12 years ago)
3 Watt
Clovertrail (2013)

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 Z2560 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 February 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Clovertrail (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FC-MB4760. Thermal design power (TDP): 3 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,056 points. Launch price was $69.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Atom Z2560 is positioned at rank #104 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Balanced 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 Z2560

#31
Ryzen 5 230
MSRP: $200|Avg: $190
96%
#92
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
278%
#93
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
274%
#94
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
251%
#95
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
250%
#96
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
248%
#98
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
239%
#99
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
230%
#100
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
229%
#101
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
223%
#104
Atom Z2560
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#106
Ryzen 5 2500U
MSRP: $349|Avg: N/A
99%
#109
Celeron 4305U
MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A
99%
#110
Celeron J1850
MSRP: $82|Avg: N/A
98%
#114
Core i3-4100M
MSRP: $225|Avg: $99
96%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Atom Z2560 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Atom Z2560 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Clovertrail (2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.6 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 1,056, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationAtom Z2560
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost1.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designClovertrail (2013)
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 data512K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor65 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities140 million
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)90 °C
64-bit SupportNo
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,056
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Atom Z2560 fits into the FC-MB4760 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR2 memory at speeds up to LPDDR2-1066 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 2 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: PowerVR SGX544MP2 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationAtom Z2560
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredFC-MB4760
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR2
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyLPDDR2-1066
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory2 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorPowerVR SGX544MP2
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUIntel BGA1264
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Atom Z2560 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 3 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationAtom Z2560
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload3 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)90 °C
💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #104 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3468 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationAtom Z2560
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$69
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#104
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#3468
Release DateLaunch date27 February 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year2013
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Atom Z2560

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

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