Atom x5-Z8300 vs Xeon W3520

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 Xeon W3520 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 Xeon W3520: 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 $264 less on MSRP ($20 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).
✅Delivers 1317.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 146.7 vs 10.4 PassMark/$ ($20 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), while Xeon W3520 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W3520 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,934 vs 2,940).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W3520, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon W3520

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.4 vs 146.7 PassMark/$ ($284 MSRP vs $20 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Atom x5-Z8300 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W3520 better than Atom x5-Z8300?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W3520 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Atom x5-Z8300 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon W3520 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.1% 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, Xeon W3520 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon W3520 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon W3520 comes in 1320.0% more expensive on MSRP at $284 MSRP versus $20 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Atom x5-Z8300 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 1317.1% better value on paper (146.7 vs 10.4 PassMark/$), 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 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom x5-Z8300 vs Xeon W3520 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.

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.

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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.

Feature	Atom x5-Z8300	Xeon 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

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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.

Feature	Atom x5-Z8300	Xeon 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	No	—
PCIe Lanes	1	—

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Advanced Features

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

Feature	Atom x5-Z8300	Xeon W3520
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 Xeon W3520 came in at $284. On launch pricing ($20 vs $284), Atom x5-Z8300 was $264 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Atom x5-Z8300 delivers 146.7 pts/$ vs 10.4 pts/$ for the Xeon W3520 — making the Atom x5-Z8300 the 173.6% better value option.

Feature	Atom x5-Z8300	Xeon W3520
MSRP	$20-93%	$284
Performance per Dollar	146.7+1311%	10.4
Release Date	2015	2009

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