Atom C3508 vs Core i3-2105
Atom C3508
Core i3-2105
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.
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. The Atom C3508 is positioned at rank 409 and the Core i3-2105 is on rank 935, so the Atom C3508 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Atom C3508
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2105
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom C3508 | Core i3-2105 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Goldmont (2016−2017) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom C3508 | Core i3-2105 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Atom C3508 and Core i3-2105
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.
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 |
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 28.6% 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 — 155.6% 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+33% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB+700% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 16+33% |
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.
| Feature | Atom C3508 | Core i3-2105 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
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