Atom N2800 vs Core i7-820QM
Atom N2800
Core i7-820QM
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 i7-820QM is on rank 1231, 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 i7-820QM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom N2800 | Core i7-820QM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($3) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($546) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Cedarview-M (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom N2800 | Core i7-820QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+18200%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($3) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($546) |
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 i7-820QM
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.
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 |
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 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-820QM supports up to 8 of RAM compared to 4 GB — 66.7% 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+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4 GB+52428700% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 1 | 2+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 4 | 16+300% |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Atom N2800 launched at $47 MSRP, while the Core i7-820QM debuted at $546.
| Feature | Atom N2800 | Core i7-820QM |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $47-91% | $546 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $3 | — |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2009 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Atom N2800 and Core i7-820QM
