Atom N2800 vs Phenom X4 9600B
Atom N2800
Phenom X4 9600B
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 Phenom X4 9600B is on rank 1055, 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 Phenom X4 9600B
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom N2800 | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($3) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Cedarview-M (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Agena (2007−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom N2800 | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+562%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($3) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
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 Phenom X4 9600B
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.
Phenom X4 9600B
The Phenom X4 9600B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,842 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Atom N2800 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom X4 9600B offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9600B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Atom N2800 versus 2.3 GHz on the Phenom X4 9600B — a 20.6% clock advantage for the Phenom X4 9600B. The Atom N2800 uses the Cedarview-M (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom X4 9600B uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Atom N2800 scores 1,829 against the Phenom X4 9600B's 1,842 — a 0.7% lead for the Phenom X4 9600B. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom N2800 vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9600B.
| Feature | Atom N2800 | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 1.87 GHz | 2.3 GHz+23% |
| Base Clock | 1.86 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 2 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Cedarview-M (2011−2012) | Agena (2007−2008) |
| PassMark | 1,829 | 1,842 |
Memory & Platform
The Atom N2800 uses the FCBGA559 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom X4 9600B uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Atom N2800 versus DDR2-1066 on the Phenom X4 9600B — the Atom N2800 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Phenom X4 9600B supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom N2800) vs 2 (Phenom X4 9600B). PCIe lanes: 4 (Atom N2800) vs 0 (Phenom X4 9600B) — the Atom N2800 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Atom N2800 | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA559 | AM2+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066+50% | DDR2-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4 GB | 16 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 1 | 2+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 4 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Atom N2800) / AMD-V (Phenom X4 9600B). The Atom N2800 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 3650), while the Phenom X4 9600B requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Phenom X4 9600B targets Business.
| Feature | Atom N2800 | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel GMA 3650 | — |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Business |
Value Analysis
The Atom N2800 launched at $47 MSRP, while the Phenom X4 9600B debuted at $278. At current prices ($3 vs $20), the Atom N2800 is $17 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Atom N2800 delivers 609.7 pts/$ vs 92.1 pts/$ for the Phenom X4 9600B — making the Atom N2800 the 147.5% better value option.
| Feature | Atom N2800 | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $47-83% | $278 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $3-85% | $20 |
| Performance per Dollar | 609.7+562% | 92.1 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2008 |
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