Atom x5-Z8300 vs Core i5-4300M

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 i5-4300M 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 i5-4300M: 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

✅Costs $207 less on MSRP ($20 MSRP vs $227 MSRP).
✅Delivers 1025.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 146.7 vs 13.0 PassMark/$ ($20 MSRP vs $227 MSRP).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), while Core i5-4300M needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,934 vs 2,960).

Core i5-4300M

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.0 vs 146.7 PassMark/$ ($227 MSRP vs $20 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Atom x5-Z8300 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4300M better than Atom x5-Z8300?

Yes. Core i5-4300M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4300M has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 79.3% higher max boost clock.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4300M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4300M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-4300M comes in 1035.0% more expensive on MSRP at $227 MSRP versus $20 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.9% higher PassMark. Atom x5-Z8300 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 1025.0% better value on paper (146.7 vs 13.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on UTFCBGA592.

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 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom x5-Z8300 vs Core i5-4300M Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i5-4300M

The Core i5-4300M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 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 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,960 points. Launch price was $227.

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Processing Power

The Atom x5-Z8300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-4300M 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 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-4300M — a 56.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-4300M (base: 1.44 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Atom x5-Z8300 uses the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-4300M uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Atom x5-Z8300 scores 2,934 against the Core i5-4300M's 2,960 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-4300M. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom x5-Z8300 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-4300M.

Feature	Atom x5-Z8300	Core i5-4300M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.84 GHz	3.3 GHz+79%
Base Clock	1.44 GHz	2.6 GHz+81%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB	256K (per core)+12700%
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Cherry Trail (2015−2016)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,934	2,960

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Memory & Platform

The Atom x5-Z8300 uses the UTFCBGA592 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4300M uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Atom x5-Z8300	Core i5-4300M
Socket	UTFCBGA592	PGA946
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-RS 1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	2 GB	—
RAM Channels	1	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	1	—

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Advanced Features

The Atom x5-Z8300 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail)), while the Core i5-4300M requires a dedicated GPU.

Feature	Atom x5-Z8300	Core i5-4300M
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail)	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Atom x5-Z8300 was priced at $20, while the Core i5-4300M came in at $227. On launch pricing ($20 vs $227), Atom x5-Z8300 was $207 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Atom x5-Z8300 delivers 146.7 pts/$ vs 13.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-4300M — making the Atom x5-Z8300 the 167.3% better value option.

Feature	Atom x5-Z8300	Core i5-4300M
MSRP	$20-91%	$227
Performance per Dollar	146.7+1028%	13.0
Release Date	2015	2013

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