Atom C3508 vs Phenom II X3 B77

Intel

Atom C3508

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

Phenom II X3 B77

3 Cores3 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Atom C3508 vs Phenom II X3 B77 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 Phenom II X3 B77 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 Phenom II X3 B77: 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

  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Draws 11W instead of 95W, a 84W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,831 vs 1,844).

Phenom II X3 B77

2010

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
    • Launch MSRP is still $281 MSRP, while Atom C3508 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • 744.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 11.25W.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Phenom II X3 B77 better than Atom C3508?
    Yes. Phenom II X3 B77 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Phenom II X3 B77 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% 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, Phenom II X3 B77 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Phenom II X3 B77 is the better buy right now. Phenom II X3 B77 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $281 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (6.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2010) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Atom C3508 vs Phenom II X3 B77 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.

    AMD

    Phenom II X3 B77

    The Phenom II X3 B77 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Heka (2009−2010) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,844 points. Launch price was $149.

    Processing Power

    The Atom C3508 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X3 B77 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Atom C3508 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Atom C3508 versus 3.2 GHz on the Phenom II X3 B77 — a 66.7% clock advantage for the Phenom II X3 B77 (base: 1.6 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Atom C3508 uses the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Phenom II X3 B77 uses Heka (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom C3508 scores 1,831 against the Phenom II X3 B77's 1,844 — a 0.7% lead for the Phenom II X3 B77. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Atom C3508 vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X3 B77.

    FeatureAtom C3508Phenom II X3 B77
    Cores / Threads
    4 / 4+33%
    3 / 3
    Boost Clock
    1.6 GHz
    3.2 GHz+100%
    Base Clock
    1.6 GHz
    3.2 GHz+100%
    L3 Cache
    8 MB+33%
    6 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    8 MB+1500%
    512 kB (per core)
    Process
    14 nm-69%
    45 nm
    Architecture
    Goldmont (2016−2017)
    Heka (2009−2010)
    PassMark
    1,831
    1,844
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Atom C3508 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X3 B77 uses AM3 (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 Phenom II X3 B77 — 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 0 (Phenom II X3 B77) — the Atom C3508 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1310 (Atom C3508) and AM3 (Phenom II X3 B77).

    FeatureAtom C3508Phenom II X3 B77
    Socket
    FCBGA1310
    AM3
    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
    Yes
    PCIe Lanes
    12
    0