
Atom N2800 vs Core i3-2310E

Atom N2800

Core i3-2310E
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 i3-2310E is on rank 1130, so the Atom N2800 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 i3-2310E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom N2800 | Core i3-2310E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($3) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Cedarview-M (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom N2800 | Core i3-2310E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+561%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($3) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
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 i3-2310E

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 i3-2310E
The Core i3-2310E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,845 points. Launch price was $225.
Processing Power
Both the Atom N2800 and Core i3-2310E share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Atom N2800 versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-2310E — a 11.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-2310E (base: 1.86 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Atom N2800 uses the Cedarview-M (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-2310E uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Atom N2800 scores 1,829 against the Core i3-2310E's 1,845 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i3-2310E. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom N2800 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2310E.
| Feature | Atom N2800 | Core i3-2310E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 1.87 GHz | 2.1 GHz+12% |
| Base Clock | 1.86 GHz | 2.1 GHz+13% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core)+100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Cedarview-M (2011−2012) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,829 | 1,845 |
Memory & Platform
The Atom N2800 uses the FCBGA559 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-2310E uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Atom N2800 versus 1333 on the Core i3-2310E — the Core i3-2310E supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2310E supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 4 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom N2800) vs 2 (Core i3-2310E). PCIe lanes: 4 (Atom N2800) vs 16 (Core i3-2310E) — the Core i3-2310E offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel NM10 (Atom N2800) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i3-2310E).
| Feature | Atom N2800 | Core i3-2310E |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA559 | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | 1333+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4 GB+26214300% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 1 | 2+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 4 | 16+300% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Atom N2800) / true (Core i3-2310E). Both include integrated graphics — Intel GMA 3650 (Atom N2800) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2310E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-2310E rivals Core i3-2330M.
| Feature | Atom N2800 | Core i3-2310E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel GMA 3650 | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
Value Analysis
The Atom N2800 launched at $47 MSRP, while the Core i3-2310E debuted at $225. At current prices ($3 vs $20), the Atom N2800 is $17 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Atom N2800 delivers 609.7 pts/$ vs 92.3 pts/$ for the Core i3-2310E — making the Atom N2800 the 147.4% better value option.
| Feature | Atom N2800 | Core i3-2310E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $47-79% | $225 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $3-85% | $20 |
| Performance per Dollar | 609.7+561% | 92.3 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2011 |
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