Atom x5-Z8500 vs Core i3-2328M

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-Z8500 vs Core i3-2328M 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-Z8500 vs Core i3-2328M: 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-Z8500

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i3-2328M

2012

Why buy it

✅700% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 2) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,234 vs 1,242).

Quick Answers

So, is Atom x5-Z8500 better than Core i3-2328M?

Yes. Atom x5-Z8500 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Atom x5-Z8500 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% 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, Atom x5-Z8500 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Atom x5-Z8500 still makes the most sense overall. Atom x5-Z8500 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Atom x5-Z8500 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Atom x5-Z8500 vs Core i3-2328M Technical Specifications

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

Atom x5-Z8500

The Atom x5-Z8500 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 2.24 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: UTFCBGA1380. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,242 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i3-2328M

The Core i3-2328M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,234 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Atom x5-Z8500 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-2328M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Atom x5-Z8500 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.24 GHz on the Atom x5-Z8500 versus 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-2328M — a 1.8% clock advantage for the Atom x5-Z8500 (base: 1.44 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Atom x5-Z8500 uses the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-2328M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Atom x5-Z8500 scores 1,242 against the Core i3-2328M's 1,234 — a 0.6% lead for the Atom x5-Z8500. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom x5-Z8500 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2328M.

Feature	Atom x5-Z8500	Core i3-2328M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.24 GHz+2%	2.2 GHz
Base Clock	1.44 GHz	2.2 GHz+53%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB	256K (per core)+12700%
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Cherry Trail (2015−2016)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,242	1,234
Geekbench 6 Single	—	329

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Memory & Platform

The Atom x5-Z8500 uses the UTFCBGA1380 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-2328M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR3-1600 on the Atom x5-Z8500 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2328M — the Atom x5-Z8500 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2328M supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 2 (Atom x5-Z8500) vs 16 (Core i3-2328M) — the Core i3-2328M offers 14 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FC-UTBGA592 (Atom x5-Z8500) and HM65,HM67,QM67,HM75,HM76,HM77 (Core i3-2328M).

Feature	Atom x5-Z8500	Core i3-2328M
Socket	UTFCBGA1380	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR3-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	2	16+700%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom x5-Z8500) / VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2328M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) (Atom x5-Z8500) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2328M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2328M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2328M rivals Pentium B980.

Feature	Atom x5-Z8500	Core i3-2328M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail)	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, EPT
Target Use	—	Budget Laptop