Atom x5-Z8300
VS
Xeon W3520

Atom x5-Z8300 vs Xeon W3520

Intel

Atom x5-Z8300

4 Cores4 ThrdWMax: 1.84 GHz2015
VS
Intel

Xeon W3520

4 Cores8 Thrd130 WWMax: 2.93 GHz2009

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 x5-Z8300 is positioned at rank 4 and the Xeon W3520 is on rank 861, so the Atom x5-Z8300 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Atom x5-Z8300

#4
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
100%
#5
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
99%
#6
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
90%
#7
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
90%
#8
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
89%
#10
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
86%
#11
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
83%
#12
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
82%
#13
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
80%
#17
Core i3-350M
MSRP: $130|Avg: $10
74%
#18
Atom x5-E8000
MSRP: $18|Avg: N/A
73%
#19
Core 2 Duo T5900
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $5
72%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Xeon W3520

#1
Xeon Platinum 8454H
MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A
20080%
#6
Xeon Gold 6240R
MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A
3791%
#10
Xeon 6337P
MSRP: $60|Avg: $5
3368%
#15
EPYC 9174F
MSRP: $194|Avg: $30
2602%
#485
Xeon Gold 6258R
MSRP: $3950|Avg: $1400
99%
#486
EPYC 9175F
MSRP: $4256|Avg: $3703
99%
#488
EPYC 9534
MSRP: $8803|Avg: $2999
98%
#489
EPYC 9654
MSRP: $11805|Avg: $5345
98%
#490
EPYC 7H12
MSRP: $6950|Avg: $1340
97%
#491
EPYC 7742
MSRP: $6950|Avg: $800
97%
#492
Xeon Platinum 8352M
MSRP: $4471|Avg: $4471
96%
#493
Xeon Platinum 8570
MSRP: $9595|Avg: $9595
94%
#861
Xeon W3520
MSRP: $284|Avg: $15
100%
#862
Xeon E3-1271 v3
MSRP: $727|Avg: $831
100%
#863
Xeon E5603
MSRP: $188|Avg: N/A
99%
#871
Xeon 6315P
MSRP: $1166|Avg: $160
97%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Atom x5-Z8300 (2015) utilizes 14 nm technology and DDR3, providing a fundamental performance advantage.
InsightAtom x5-Z8300Xeon W3520
Gaming
Lower gaming performance
Superior gaming performance
Workstation
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Better multi-core power
Price
⚠️ Higher cost ($20)
More affordable ($15)
Longevity
🛑 Legacy (Cherry Trail (2015−2016) / 14 nm)
🛑 Legacy (Bloomfield (2008−2010) / 45 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Xeon W3520 (2009) relies on 45 nm technology and DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.
InsightAtom x5-Z8300Xeon W3520
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Better overall value (+34%)
Upfront Cost
⚠️ Higher cost ($20)
More affordable ($15)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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 Xeon W3520

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

Xeon W3520

The Xeon W3520 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,940 points. Launch price was $404.

Processing Power

The Atom x5-Z8300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon W3520's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.84 GHz on the Atom x5-Z8300 versus 2.93 GHz on the Xeon W3520 — a 45.7% clock advantage for the Xeon W3520 (base: 1.44 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Atom x5-Z8300 uses the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W3520 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom x5-Z8300 scores 2,934 against the Xeon W3520's 2,940 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon W3520. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom x5-Z8300 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon W3520.

FeatureAtom x5-Z8300Xeon W3520
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
1.84 GHz
2.93 GHz+59%
Base Clock
1.44 GHz
2.66 GHz+85%
L3 Cache
0 kB
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2 MB+700%
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm-69%
45 nm
Architecture
Cherry Trail (2015−2016)
Bloomfield (2008−2010)
PassMark
2,934
2,940
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Atom x5-Z8300 uses the UTFCBGA592 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W3520 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAtom x5-Z8300Xeon W3520
Socket
UTFCBGA592
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3L-RS 1600
Max RAM Capacity
2 GB
RAM Channels
1
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
1
🔧

Advanced Features

The Atom x5-Z8300 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail)), while the Xeon W3520 requires a dedicated GPU.

FeatureAtom x5-Z8300Xeon W3520
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail)
💰

Value Analysis

The Atom x5-Z8300 launched at $20 MSRP, while the Xeon W3520 debuted at $284.

FeatureAtom x5-Z8300Xeon W3520
MSRP
$20-93%
$284
Avg Price (30d)
$15
Release Date
2015
2009