Atom x7-Z8700 vs Core i5-480M

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 x7-Z8700 vs Core i5-480M 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 x7-Z8700 vs Core i5-480M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Atom x7-Z8700

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,325 vs 1,327).

Core i5-480M

2011

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $81 MSRP, while Atom x7-Z8700 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-480M better than Atom x7-Z8700?

Yes. Core i5-480M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-480M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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 i5-480M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-480M is the better buy right now. Core i5-480M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $81 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (16.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 x7-Z8700 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom x7-Z8700 vs Core i5-480M Technical Specifications

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

Atom x7-Z8700

The Atom x7-Z8700 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 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: UTFCBGA1380. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,325 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i5-480M

The Core i5-480M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 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: 1,327 points. Launch price was $81.

⚡

Processing Power

The Atom x7-Z8700 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-480M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Atom x7-Z8700 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Atom x7-Z8700 versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-480M — a 19.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-480M (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Atom x7-Z8700 uses the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-480M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Atom x7-Z8700 scores 1,325 against the Core i5-480M's 1,327 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-480M. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom x7-Z8700 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-480M.

Feature	Atom x7-Z8700	Core i5-480M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	2.93 GHz+22%
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	2.66 GHz+66%
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)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,325	1,327

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Atom x7-Z8700 uses the UTFCBGA1380 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-480M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR3-1600 on the Atom x7-Z8700 versus 1066 on the Core i5-480M — the Atom x7-Z8700 supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 2 (Atom x7-Z8700) vs 16 (Core i5-480M) — the Core i5-480M offers 14 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FC-UTBGA592 (Atom x7-Z8700) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-480M).

Feature	Atom x7-Z8700	Core i5-480M
Socket	UTFCBGA1380	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR3-1600+50%	1066
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	2	16+700%

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom x7-Z8700) / true (Core i5-480M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) (Atom x7-Z8700) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-480M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-480M rivals AMD Turion II M620.