Atom C3508 vs Core i3-2105

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.

Atom C3508 vs Core i3-2105 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Atom C3508 vs Core i3-2105: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Atom C3508

2017

Why buy it

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 11W instead of 65W, a 54W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,831 vs 1,837).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2105 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-2105

2011

Why buy it

✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Atom C3508 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $138 MSRP, while Atom C3508 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌477.8% higher power demand at 65W vs 11.25W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2105 better than Atom C3508?

Yes. Core i3-2105 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-2105 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2105 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-2105 is the better buy right now. Core i3-2105 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $138 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Atom C3508 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011) and 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom C3508 vs Core i3-2105 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Atom C3508

The Atom C3508 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1310. Thermal design power (TDP): 11.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR4: 1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,831 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i3-2105

The Core i3-2105 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,837 points. Launch price was $145.

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Processing Power

The Atom C3508 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-2105 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Atom C3508 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Atom C3508 versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2105 — a 63.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-2105 (base: 1.6 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Atom C3508 uses the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-2105 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Atom C3508 scores 1,831 against the Core i3-2105's 1,837 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-2105. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Atom C3508 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2105.

Feature	Atom C3508	Core i3-2105
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.6 GHz	3.1 GHz+94%
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	3.1 GHz+94%
L3 Cache	8 MB+167%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	8 MB+3100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Goldmont (2016−2017)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,831	1,837

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Memory & Platform

The Atom C3508 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-2105 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-1866 on the Atom C3508 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2105 — the Atom C3508 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Atom C3508 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Atom C3508) vs 16 (Core i3-2105) — the Core i3-2105 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Atom C3508	Core i3-2105
Socket	FCBGA1310	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-1866+40%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	256 GB+700%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom C3508) / VT-x (Core i3-2105). The Core i3-2105 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Atom C3508 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2105 targets Desktop.