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 C3708 vs Core i7-2710QE 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 C3708 vs Core i7-2710QE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom C3708

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 17W instead of 45W, a 28W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2710QE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-2710QE

2011

Why buy it

✅25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Atom C3708 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Atom C3708 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,749 vs 3,750).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 16 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $378 MSRP, while Atom C3708 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌164.7% higher power demand at 45W vs 17W.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom C3708 better than Core i7-2710QE?

Yes. Atom C3708 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Atom C3708 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.5% 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, Atom C3708 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Atom C3708 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Atom C3708 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-2710QE only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (9.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Atom C3708 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011), 166.7% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 6 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Atom C3708 vs Core i7-2710QE Technical Specifications

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

Atom C3708

The Atom C3708 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 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 1.7 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB. L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1310. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR4: 2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,750 points. Launch price was $209.

Core i7-2710QE

The Core i7-2710QE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,749 points. Launch price was $378.

⚡

Processing Power

The Atom C3708 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-2710QE offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Atom C3708 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.7 GHz on the Atom C3708 versus 3 GHz on the Core i7-2710QE — a 55.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-2710QE (base: 1.7 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Atom C3708 uses the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2710QE uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Atom C3708 scores 3,750 against the Core i7-2710QE's 3,749 — a 0% lead for the Atom C3708. L3 cache: 16 MB on the Atom C3708 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2710QE.

Feature	Atom C3708	Core i7-2710QE
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+100%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	1.7 GHz	3 GHz+76%
Base Clock	1.7 GHz	2.1 GHz+24%
L3 Cache	16 MB+167%	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	16 MB	256K (per core)+1500%
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Goldmont (2016−2017)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,750	3,749
Geekbench 6 Single	—	604

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Atom C3708 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2710QE uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Atom C3708 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-2710QE — the Atom C3708 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Atom C3708 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: 16 (Atom C3708) vs 20 (Core i7-2710QE) — the Core i7-2710QE offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1310 (Atom C3708) and HM65,QM67 (Core i7-2710QE).

Feature	Atom C3708	Core i7-2710QE
Socket	FCBGA1310	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+33%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	256 GB+1500%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	20+25%

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom C3708) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2710QE). The Core i7-2710QE includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Atom C3708 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2710QE targets Embedded/Industrial. Direct competitor: Core i7-2710QE rivals Embedded R-Series.