Atom x5-Z8300 vs Core i5-4210M

Intel

Atom x5-Z8300

4 Cores4 ThrdWMax: 1.84 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-4210M

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2014
Similar parts
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Atom x5-Z8300 vs Core i5-4210M 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 x5-Z8300 vs Core i5-4210M 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 x5-Z8300 vs Core i5-4210M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Atom x5-Z8300

2015

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +5.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $20 MSRP, while Core i5-4210M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i5-4210M

2014

Why buy it

  • 1500% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 1) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Atom x5-Z8300 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (2,899 vs 2,934).

Quick Answers

So, is Atom x5-Z8300 better than Core i5-4210M?
Yes. Atom x5-Z8300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Atom x5-Z8300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.2% 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, Atom x5-Z8300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Atom x5-Z8300 is the better buy right now. Atom x5-Z8300 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $20 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (146.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 x5-Z8300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2014) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Atom x5-Z8300 vs Core i5-4210M Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Atom x5-Z8300

The Atom x5-Z8300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.44 GHz, with boost up to 1.84 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: UTFCBGA592. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,934 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Core i5-4210M

The Core i5-4210M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,899 points. Launch price was $225.

Processing Power

The Atom x5-Z8300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-4210M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Atom x5-Z8300 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.84 GHz on the Atom x5-Z8300 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-4210M — a 54% clock advantage for the Core i5-4210M (base: 1.44 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Atom x5-Z8300 uses the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-4210M uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Atom x5-Z8300 scores 2,934 against the Core i5-4210M's 2,899 — a 1.2% lead for the Atom x5-Z8300. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom x5-Z8300 vs 3 MB on the Core i5-4210M.

FeatureAtom x5-Z8300Core i5-4210M
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
1.84 GHz
3.2 GHz+74%
Base Clock
1.44 GHz
2.6 GHz+81%
L3 Cache
0 kB
3 MB
L2 Cache
2 MB+300%
512 kB
Process
14 nm-36%
22 nm
Architecture
Cherry Trail (2015−2016)
Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark
2,934+1%
2,899
Geekbench 6 Single
959
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Memory & Platform

The Atom x5-Z8300 uses the UTFCBGA592 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4210M uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3L-RS 1600 memory speed. The Core i5-4210M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom x5-Z8300) vs 2 (Core i5-4210M). PCIe lanes: 1 (Atom x5-Z8300) vs 16 (Core i5-4210M) — the Core i5-4210M offers 15 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FC-UTBGA592 (Atom x5-Z8300) and HM86,HM87,QM87 (Core i5-4210M).

FeatureAtom x5-Z8300Core i5-4210M
Socket
UTFCBGA592
PGA946
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3L-RS 1600
DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity
2 GB
32 GB+1500%
RAM Channels
1
2+100%
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
1
16+1500%
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom x5-Z8300) / VT-x, EPT (Core i5-4210M). Both include integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) (Atom x5-Z8300) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4210M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4210M targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4210M rivals A10-5750M.

FeatureAtom x5-Z8300Core i5-4210M
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail)
HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, EPT
Target Use
Mainstream Laptop