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 i7-820QM 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 i7-820QM: 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

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $499 less on MSRP ($47 MSRP vs $546 MSRP).
✅Delivers 1068.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 38.9 vs 3.3 PassMark/$ ($47 MSRP vs $546 MSRP).
✅Draws 7W instead of 45W, a 38W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel GMA 3650, while Core i7-820QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i7-820QM

2009

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,819 vs 1,829).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 38.9 PassMark/$ ($546 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 Atom N2800 better than Core i7-820QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-820QM is ahead with a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Atom N2800 pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Atom N2800 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Atom N2800 is the better buy right now. Atom N2800 comes in $499 cheaper on MSRP at $47 MSRP versus $546 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-820QM is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 1068.1% better value on MSRP (38.9 vs 3.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Atom N2800 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Atom N2800 vs Core i7-820QM 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 i7-820QM

The Core i7-820QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 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 3.06 GHz. L3 cache: 8 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: 1,819 points. Launch price was $546.

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Processing Power

The Atom N2800 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-820QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-820QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Atom N2800 versus 3.06 GHz on the Core i7-820QM — a 48.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-820QM (base: 1.86 GHz vs 1.73 GHz). The Atom N2800 uses the Cedarview-M (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-820QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom N2800 scores 1,829 against the Core i7-820QM's 1,819 — a 0.5% lead for the Atom N2800. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom N2800 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-820QM.

Feature	Atom N2800	Core i7-820QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	1.87 GHz	3.06 GHz+64%
Base Clock	1.86 GHz+8%	1.73 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	8 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	1,819

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Memory & Platform

The Atom N2800 uses the FCBGA559 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-820QM 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 i7-820QM — the Core i7-820QM supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-820QM 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 i7-820QM). PCIe lanes: 4 (Atom N2800) vs 16 (Core i7-820QM) — the Core i7-820QM offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel NM10 (Atom N2800) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-820QM).

Feature	Atom N2800	Core i7-820QM
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 i7-820QM). The Atom N2800 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 3650), while the Core i7-820QM requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-820QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.

Feature	Atom N2800	Core i7-820QM
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 i7-820QM came in at $546. On launch pricing ($47 vs $546), Atom N2800 was $499 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Atom N2800 delivers 38.9 pts/$ vs 3.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-820QM — making the Atom N2800 the 168.5% better value option.

Feature	Atom N2800	Core i7-820QM
MSRP	$47-91%	$546
Performance per Dollar	38.9+1079%	3.3
Release Date	2011	2009

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