Atom N2800 vs Phenom II X3 B77

Intel

Atom N2800

2 Cores4 Thrd7 WWMax: 1.87 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X3 B77

3 Cores3 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Atom N2800 vs Phenom II X3 B77 Performance Spectrum

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.

Atom N2800 vs Phenom II X3 B77 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 Phenom II X3 B77: 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 $234 less on MSRP ($47 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
  • Delivers 493.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 38.9 vs 6.6 PassMark/$ ($47 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
  • Draws 7W instead of 95W, a 88W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel GMA 3650, while Phenom II X3 B77 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,829 vs 1,844).

Phenom II X3 B77

2010

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.6 vs 38.9 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $47 MSRP).
    • 1257.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 7W.
    • No integrated graphics, while Atom N2800 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Phenom II X3 B77 better than Atom N2800?
    Yes. Phenom II X3 B77 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Phenom II X3 B77 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% 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, Phenom II X3 B77 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Phenom II X3 B77 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Phenom II X3 B77 comes in 497.9% more expensive on MSRP at $281 MSRP versus $47 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% 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?
    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 Phenom II X3 B77 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    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.

    AMD

    Phenom II X3 B77

    The Phenom II X3 B77 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Heka (2009−2010) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,844 points. Launch price was $149.

    Processing Power

    The Atom N2800 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X3 B77 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom II X3 B77 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Atom N2800 versus 3.2 GHz on the Phenom II X3 B77 — a 52.5% clock advantage for the Phenom II X3 B77 (base: 1.86 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Atom N2800 uses the Cedarview-M (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom II X3 B77 uses Heka (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom N2800 scores 1,829 against the Phenom II X3 B77's 1,844 — a 0.8% lead for the Phenom II X3 B77. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom N2800 vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X3 B77.

    FeatureAtom N2800Phenom II X3 B77
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 4
    3 / 3+50%
    Boost Clock
    1.87 GHz
    3.2 GHz+71%
    Base Clock
    1.86 GHz
    3.2 GHz+72%
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    6 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    512K (per core)
    512 kB (per core)
    Process
    32 nm-29%
    45 nm
    Architecture
    Cedarview-M (2011−2012)
    Heka (2009−2010)
    PassMark
    1,829
    1,844
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Atom N2800 uses the FCBGA559 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom II X3 B77 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Atom N2800 versus DDR3-1333 on the Phenom II X3 B77 — the Phenom II X3 B77 supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Phenom II X3 B77 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom N2800) vs 2 (Phenom II X3 B77). PCIe lanes: 4 (Atom N2800) vs 0 (Phenom II X3 B77) — the Atom N2800 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel NM10 (Atom N2800) and AM3 (Phenom II X3 B77).

    FeatureAtom N2800Phenom II X3 B77
    Socket
    FCBGA559
    AM3
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0
    PCIe 2.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR3-1066
    DDR3-1333+25%
    Max RAM Capacity
    4 GB
    32 GB+700%
    RAM Channels
    1
    2+100%
    ECC Support
    No
    Yes
    PCIe Lanes
    4
    0
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    The Atom N2800 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 3650), while the Phenom II X3 B77 requires a dedicated GPU.

    FeatureAtom N2800Phenom II X3 B77
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    No
    IGPU Model
    Intel GMA 3650
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Atom N2800 was priced at $47, while the Phenom II X3 B77 came in at $281. On launch pricing ($47 vs $281), Atom N2800 was $234 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Atom N2800 delivers 38.9 pts/$ vs 6.6 pts/$ for the Phenom II X3 B77 — making the Atom N2800 the 142.3% better value option.

    FeatureAtom N2800Phenom II X3 B77
    MSRP
    $47-83%
    $281
    Performance per Dollar
    38.9+489%
    6.6
    Release Date
    2011
    2010

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