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 i5-10400F 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 i5-10400F: 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 $113 less on MSRP ($47 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
✅Draws 7W instead of 65W, a 58W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel GMA 3650, while Core i5-10400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-10400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,829 vs 13,029).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 38.9 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($47 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-10400F.

Core i5-10400F

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +297.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Delivers 109.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 81.4 vs 38.9 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $47 MSRP).
✅300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Atom N2800.

Trade-offs

❌
240.4% HIGHER MSRP
$160 MSRPvs$47 MSRP
❌828.6% higher power demand at 65W vs 7W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Atom N2800 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10400F better than Atom N2800?

Yes. Core i5-10400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 297.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 612.4% 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 i5-10400F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 297.8% 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 i5-10400F is the stronger fit. You are getting 612.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Core i5-10400F is the better buy right now. Core i5-10400F comes in 240.4% more expensive on MSRP at $160 MSRP versus $47 MSRP, and it still gives you a 297.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 109.3% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 38.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-10400F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 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 i5-10400F 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 i5-10400F

The Core i5-10400F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 13,029 points. Launch price was $155.

⚡

Processing Power

The Atom N2800 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-10400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-10400F has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Atom N2800 versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — a 78.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-10400F (base: 1.86 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Atom N2800 uses the Cedarview-M (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-10400F uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Atom N2800 scores 1,829 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 150.8% lead for the Core i5-10400F. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom N2800 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F.

Feature	Atom N2800	Core i5-10400F
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock	1.87 GHz	4.3 GHz+130%
Base Clock	1.86 GHz	2.9 GHz+56%
L3 Cache	0 kB	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512K (per core)+100%	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Cedarview-M (2011−2012)	Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark	1,829	13,029+612%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	8,191
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,454
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	5,783

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Atom N2800 uses the FCBGA559 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-10400F uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Atom N2800 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F — the Core i5-10400F supports 150.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-10400F supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 3100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom N2800) vs 2 (Core i5-10400F). PCIe lanes: 4 (Atom N2800) vs 16 (Core i5-10400F) — the Core i5-10400F offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel NM10 (Atom N2800) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).

Feature	Atom N2800	Core i5-10400F
Socket	FCBGA559	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR4-2666+150%
Max RAM Capacity	4 GB	128 GB+3100%
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	4	16+300%

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom N2800) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10400F). The Atom N2800 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 3650), while the Core i5-10400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	Atom N2800	Core i5-10400F
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel GMA 3650	—
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Gaming

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Atom N2800 was priced at $47, while the Core i5-10400F came in at $160. On launch pricing ($47 vs $160), Atom N2800 was $113 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Atom N2800 delivers 38.9 pts/$ vs 81.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core i5-10400F the 70.7% better value option.

Feature	Atom N2800	Core i5-10400F
MSRP	$47-71%	$160
Performance per Dollar	38.9	81.4+109%
Release Date	2011	2020

Search Atom N2800 on Amazon

Search Core i5-10400F 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.