Atom N2800 vs Core i3-2310E

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 N2800 vs Core i3-2310E 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 N2800 vs Core i3-2310E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom N2800

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $178 less on MSRP ($47 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 374.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 38.9 vs 8.2 PassMark/$ ($47 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 7W instead of 35W, a 28W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,829 vs 1,845).

Core i3-2310E

2011

Why buy it

✅300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.2 vs 38.9 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $47 MSRP).
❌400% higher power demand at 35W vs 7W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2310E better than Atom N2800?

Yes. Core i3-2310E is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.9% 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, Core i3-2310E is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% 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, Core i3-2310E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2310E is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i3-2310E comes in 378.7% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $47 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Atom N2800 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games.

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

Core i3-2310E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Atom N2800 vs Core i3-2310E Technical Specifications

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

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 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2310E supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 300% 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+25%
Max RAM Capacity	4 GB	16 GB+300%
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	No	No
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

At launch, the Atom N2800 was priced at $47, while the Core i3-2310E came in at $225. On launch pricing ($47 vs $225), Atom N2800 was $178 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Atom N2800 delivers 38.9 pts/$ vs 8.2 pts/$ for the Core i3-2310E — making the Atom N2800 the 130.4% better value option.

Feature	Atom N2800	Core i3-2310E
MSRP	$47-79%	$225
Performance per Dollar	38.9+374%	8.2
Release Date	2011	2011

Search Atom N2800 on Amazon

Search Core i3-2310E on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.