Atom Z500
CPU·Budget

Atom Z500

Intel

PassMark

165

2 April 2008 (17 years ago)
0.65 Watt
Silverthorne (2008−2010)

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 Z500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Silverthorne (2008−2010) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 0.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PBGA441. Thermal design power (TDP): 0.65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 165 points. Launch price was $45.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Atom Z500 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Atom Z500 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Atom Z500 is a 1-core / 1-thread processor based on the Silverthorne (2008−2010) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 0.8 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 165, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationAtom Z500
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units1C / 1T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost0.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designSilverthorne (2008−2010)
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 data512 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache56 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor24.18 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities47 Million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency400 MT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)90 °C
64-bit SupportNo
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
Core Voltage Range0.80 -1.1V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score165
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Memory & Platform

The Atom Z500 fits into the PBGA441 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage.

SpecificationAtom Z500
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Atom
SocketMotherboard socket requiredPBGA441
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion0
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR2-533
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory2 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel1
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorNo
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUIntel US15W
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1 (Uniprocessor)
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Power & Cooling

The Atom Z500 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 0.65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationAtom Z500
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload0.65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)90 °C
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Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #3581 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationAtom Z500
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$45
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#3581
Release DateLaunch date2 April 2008 (17 years ago)
Release Year2008
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

TypeLaptop
SeriesIntel Atom
DesignerIntel
Launch Price$45
Release Date2 April 2008 (17 years ago)
Architecture CodenameSilverthorne (2008−2010)
Performance Ranking Position3581

Technical Specifications

16 specs

Cores1
Threads1
Bus TypeFSB
Die Size24.18 mm2
L1 Cache56 kB
L2 Cache512 kB
L3 Cache0 kB
Bus Speed400 MT/s
Multiplier8
Max Frequency0.8 GHz
64-Bit Support-
Transistor Count47 Million
Process Technology45 nm
Allowed Core Voltage0.80 -1.1V
Max Core Temperature90 °C
Windows 11 Compatible-

Compatibility

4 specs

SocketPBGA441
PCIe GenerationPCIe 2.0
Power Consumption (TDP)0.65 Watt
Max Processors In Config1 (Uniprocessor)

Our Recommendation for Atom Z500

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