
Atom x5-Z8300 vs Core i5-13600K

Atom x5-Z8300

Core i5-13600K
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. The Atom x5-Z8300 is positioned at rank #4 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Excellent cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Atom x5-Z8300
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom x5-Z8300 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Cherry Trail (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom x5-Z8300 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+24%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) |
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 x5-Z8300 and Core i5-13600K

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 i5-13600K
The Core i5-13600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 37,655 points. Launch price was $319.
Processing Power
The Atom x5-Z8300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-13600K offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i5-13600K has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.84 GHz on the Atom x5-Z8300 versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K — a 93.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K (base: 1.44 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Atom x5-Z8300 uses the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-13600K uses Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Atom x5-Z8300 scores 2,934 against the Core i5-13600K's 37,655 — a 171.1% lead for the Core i5-13600K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom x5-Z8300 vs 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K.
| Feature | Atom x5-Z8300 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 14 / 20+250% |
| Boost Clock | 1.84 GHz | 5.1 GHz+177% |
| Base Clock | 1.44 GHz | 3.5 GHz+143% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 24 MB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Cherry Trail (2015−2016) | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) |
| PassMark | 2,934 | 37,655+1183% |
Memory & Platform
The Atom x5-Z8300 uses the UTFCBGA592 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-13600K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-RS 1600 on the Atom x5-Z8300 versus DDR5-5600 on the Core i5-13600K — the Core i5-13600K supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-13600K supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB — 195.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom x5-Z8300) vs 2 (Core i5-13600K). PCIe lanes: 1 (Atom x5-Z8300) vs 20 (Core i5-13600K) — the Core i5-13600K offers 19 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FC-UTBGA592 (Atom x5-Z8300) and Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i5-13600K).
| Feature | Atom x5-Z8300 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | UTFCBGA592 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-RS 1600 | DDR5-5600+67% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2 GB | 192 GB+9500% |
| RAM Channels | 1 | 2+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 1 | 20+1900% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Atom x5-Z8300) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) (Atom x5-Z8300) and UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-13600K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Atom x5-Z8300 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Atom x5-Z8300 launched at $20 MSRP, while the Core i5-13600K debuted at $329.
| Feature | Atom x5-Z8300 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $20-94% | $329 |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $319 |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2022 |
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