Atom C3508 vs Core i3-2377M

Intel

Atom C3508

4 Cores4 Thrd11.25 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-2377M

2 Cores4 Thrd17 WWMax: 1.5 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Atom C3508 vs Core i3-2377M Performance Spectrum

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.

Atom C3508 vs Core i3-2377M 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 i3-2377M: 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 17W, a 6W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,831 vs 1,850).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2377M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-2377M

2012

Why buy it

  • +1% higher PassMark.
  • 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 $250 MSRP, while Atom C3508 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 51.1% higher power demand at 17W vs 11.25W.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom C3508 better than Core i3-2377M?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Atom C3508 is ahead with a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2377M pulls ahead with 1% better PassMark. Atom C3508 also has the bigger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2377M is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Atom C3508 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Atom C3508 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-2377M only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games.
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 2012) and 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom C3508 vs Core i3-2377M Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Core i3-2377M

The Core i3-2377M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 1.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,850 points. Launch price was $250.

Processing Power

The Atom C3508 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-2377M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Atom C3508 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Atom C3508 versus 1.5 GHz on the Core i3-2377M — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Atom C3508 (base: 1.6 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). The Atom C3508 uses the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-2377M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Atom C3508 scores 1,831 against the Core i3-2377M's 1,850 — a 1% lead for the Core i3-2377M. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Atom C3508 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2377M.

FeatureAtom C3508Core i3-2377M
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
1.6 GHz+7%
1.5 GHz
Base Clock
1.6 GHz+7%
1.5 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB+167%
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
8 MB
256K (per core)+3100%
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Goldmont (2016−2017)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
1,831
1,850+1%
Geekbench 6 Single
238
Geekbench 6 Multi
546
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Memory & Platform

The Atom C3508 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-2377M uses BGA1023 (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 i3-2377M — 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 16 GB 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Atom C3508) vs 16 (Core i3-2377M) — the Core i3-2377M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1310 (Atom C3508) and FCBGA1023 (Core i3-2377M).

FeatureAtom C3508Core i3-2377M
Socket
FCBGA1310
BGA1023
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-1866+40%
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
256 GB+1500%
16 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, VT-d (Core i3-2377M). The Core i3-2377M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Atom C3508 requires a dedicated GPU.

FeatureAtom C3508Core i3-2377M
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d