Atom x7-Z8700 vs Core i5-480M
Atom x7-Z8700
Core i5-480M
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-480M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom x7-Z8700 | Core i5-480M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($77) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Cherry Trail (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom x7-Z8700 | Core i5-480M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($77) |
Performance Check
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.
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Atom x7-Z8700 and Core i5-480M
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+700% | 256K (per core) |
| 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 Core i5-480M supports 198.9% 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 | 1066+35433% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+104857500% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| 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.
| Feature | Atom x7-Z8700 | Core i5-480M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
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