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 i7-740QM 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 i7-740QM: 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 $331 less on MSRP ($47 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 698.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 38.9 vs 4.9 PassMark/$ ($47 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Draws 7W instead of 45W, a 38W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel GMA 3650, while Core i7-740QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,829 vs 1,842).

Core i7-740QM

2010

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.9 vs 38.9 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $47 MSRP).
❌542.9% higher power demand at 45W vs 7W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Atom N2800 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-740QM better than Atom N2800?

Yes. Core i7-740QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-740QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.5% 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 i7-740QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-740QM is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-740QM comes in 704.3% more expensive on MSRP at $378 MSRP versus $47 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% 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, especially when the gap is already 2.5% in the shared gaming data.

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

Atom N2800 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom N2800 vs Core i7-740QM 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 i7-740QM

The Core i7-740QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.73 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,842 points. Launch price was $546.

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Processing Power

The Atom N2800 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-740QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-740QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Atom N2800 versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-740QM — a 44.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-740QM (base: 1.86 GHz vs 1.73 GHz). The Atom N2800 uses the Cedarview-M (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-740QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom N2800 scores 1,829 against the Core i7-740QM's 1,842 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-740QM. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom N2800 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-740QM.

Feature	Atom N2800	Core i7-740QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	1.87 GHz	2.93 GHz+57%
Base Clock	1.86 GHz+8%	1.73 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512K (per core)+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Cedarview-M (2011−2012)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,829	1,842

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Memory & Platform

The Atom N2800 uses the FCBGA559 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-740QM uses PGA988 (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 i7-740QM — the Core i7-740QM supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-740QM supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom N2800) vs 2 (Core i7-740QM). PCIe lanes: 4 (Atom N2800) vs 16 (Core i7-740QM) — the Core i7-740QM offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel NM10 (Atom N2800) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-740QM).

Feature	Atom N2800	Core i7-740QM
Socket	FCBGA559	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	1333+25%
Max RAM Capacity	4 GB	8 GB+100%
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	4	16+300%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom N2800) / true (Core i7-740QM). The Atom N2800 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 3650), while the Core i7-740QM requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-740QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.

Feature	Atom N2800	Core i7-740QM
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel GMA 3650	None
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Atom N2800 was priced at $47, while the Core i7-740QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($47 vs $378), Atom N2800 was $331 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Atom N2800 delivers 38.9 pts/$ vs 4.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-740QM — making the Atom N2800 the 155.5% better value option.

Feature	Atom N2800	Core i7-740QM
MSRP	$47-88%	$378
Performance per Dollar	38.9+694%	4.9
Release Date	2011	2010

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