Atom C3808 vs Core i7-2700K

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 C3808 vs Core i7-2700K 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 C3808 vs Core i7-2700K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom C3808

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Draws 25W instead of 95W, a 70W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,671 vs 5,689).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-2700K.

Core i7-2700K

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.3% 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 C3808 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Atom C3808.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Atom C3808 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $332 MSRP, while Atom C3808 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌280% higher power demand at 95W vs 25W.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom C3808 better than Core i7-2700K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Atom C3808 is ahead with a 10.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2700K pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark. Atom C3808 also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2700K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Atom C3808 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Atom C3808 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $332 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-2700K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (17.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Atom C3808 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011) and 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom C3808 vs Core i7-2700K Technical Specifications

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

Atom C3808

The Atom C3808 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 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB. L2 cache: 12 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1310. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR4: 2133. Passmark benchmark score: 5,671 points. Launch price was $369.

Core i7-2700K

The Core i7-2700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,689 points. Launch price was $514.

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Processing Power

The Atom C3808 packs 12 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-2700K offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Atom C3808 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Atom C3808 versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-2700K — a 64.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-2700K (base: 2 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Atom C3808 uses the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2700K uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Atom C3808 scores 5,671 against the Core i7-2700K's 5,689 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-2700K. L3 cache: 12 MB on the Atom C3808 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2700K.

Feature	Atom C3808	Core i7-2700K
Cores / Threads	12 / 12+200%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2 GHz	3.9 GHz+95%
Base Clock	2 GHz	3.5 GHz+75%
L3 Cache	12 MB+50%	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	12 MB+4700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Goldmont (2016−2017)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	5,671	5,689
Geekbench 6 Single	—	701

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Memory & Platform

The Atom C3808 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2700K uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Atom C3808 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2700K — the Atom C3808 supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Atom C3808 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 C3808) vs 16 (Core i7-2700K) — the Core i7-2700K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1310 (Atom C3808) and P67,Z68,Z77,H67,H61,B75 (Core i7-2700K).

Feature	Atom C3808	Core i7-2700K
Socket	FCBGA1310	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+60%	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 C3808) / VT-x (Core i7-2700K). The Core i7-2700K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Atom C3808 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2700K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2700K rivals FX-8150.