
Atom N2800 vs Core 2 Duo T5550

Atom N2800

Core 2 Duo T5550
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 N2800 is positioned at rank 147 and the Core 2 Duo T5550 is on rank 23, so the Core 2 Duo T5550 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Atom N2800
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo T5550
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom N2800 | Core 2 Duo T5550 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($3) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($5) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Cedarview-M (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom N2800 | Core 2 Duo T5550 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+67%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($3) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($5) |
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 N2800 and Core 2 Duo T5550

Atom N2800
The Atom N2800 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 December 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Cedarview-M (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.87 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA559. Thermal design power (TDP): 6.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,829 points. Launch price was $47.

Core 2 Duo T5550
The Core 2 Duo T5550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.83 GHz, with boost up to 1.83 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,826 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Atom N2800 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo T5550's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Atom N2800 versus 1.83 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5550 — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Atom N2800 (base: 1.86 GHz vs 1.83 GHz). The Atom N2800 uses the Cedarview-M (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T5550 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Atom N2800 scores 1,829 against the Core 2 Duo T5550's 1,826 — a 0.2% lead for the Atom N2800. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom N2800 vs 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T5550.
| Feature | Atom N2800 | Core 2 Duo T5550 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 1.87 GHz+2% | 1.83 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.86 GHz+2% | 1.83 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 2 MB L2 Cache |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 2 MB+300% |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Cedarview-M (2011−2012) | Merom (2006−2008) |
| PassMark | 1,829 | 1,826 |
Memory & Platform
The Atom N2800 uses the FCBGA559 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo T5550 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Atom N2800 | Core 2 Duo T5550 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA559 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 1 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 4 | — |
Advanced Features
The Atom N2800 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 3650), while the Core 2 Duo T5550 requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Atom N2800 | Core 2 Duo T5550 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel GMA 3650 | — |
Value Analysis
At current prices ($3 vs $5), the Atom N2800 is $2 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Atom N2800 delivers 609.7 pts/$ vs 365.2 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo T5550 — making the Atom N2800 the 50.2% better value option.
| Feature | Atom N2800 | Core 2 Duo T5550 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $47 | — |
| Avg Price (30d) | $3-40% | $5 |
| Performance per Dollar | 609.7+67% | 365.2 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2008 |
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