Atom x5-Z8350 vs Core i7-930

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-Z8350 vs Core i7-930 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-Z8350 vs Core i7-930: 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-Z8350

2016

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), while Core i7-930 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-930 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,979 vs 2,993).

Core i7-930

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅3500% more PCIe lanes (36 vs 1) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $294 MSRP, while Atom x5-Z8350 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Atom x5-Z8350 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-930 better than Atom x5-Z8350?

Yes. Core i7-930 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-930 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.2% 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, Core i7-930 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-930 is the better buy right now. Core i7-930 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $294 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (10.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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-Z8350 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom x5-Z8350 vs Core i7-930 Technical Specifications

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

Atom x5-Z8350

The Atom x5-Z8350 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 February 2016 (9 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 1.92 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: UTFCBGA592. Memory support: 4 GB. Passmark benchmark score: 2,979 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i7-930

The Core i7-930 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 February 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.06 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: 2,993 points. Launch price was $80.

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Processing Power

The Atom x5-Z8350 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-930's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.92 GHz on the Atom x5-Z8350 versus 3.06 GHz on the Core i7-930 — a 45.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-930 (base: 1.44 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Atom x5-Z8350 uses the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-930 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom x5-Z8350 scores 2,979 against the Core i7-930's 2,993 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-930. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom x5-Z8350 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-930.

Feature	Atom x5-Z8350	Core i7-930
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	1.92 GHz	3.06 GHz+59%
Base Clock	1.44 GHz	2.8 GHz+94%
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	2,979	2,993

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Memory & Platform

The Atom x5-Z8350 uses the UTFCBGA592 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-930 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-RS 1600 on the Atom x5-Z8350 versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i7-930 — the Atom x5-Z8350 supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-930 supports up to 24 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB — 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom x5-Z8350) vs 3 (Core i7-930). PCIe lanes: 1 (Atom x5-Z8350) vs 36 (Core i7-930) — the Core i7-930 offers 35 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Atom x5-Z8350	Core i7-930
Socket	UTFCBGA592	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-RS 1600+50%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	2 GB	24 GB+1100%
RAM Channels	1	3+200%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	1	36+3500%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom x5-Z8350) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-930). The Atom x5-Z8350 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail)), while the Core i7-930 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-930 targets Desktop.