Atom Z3735G vs Core i5-3360M

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 Z3735G vs Core i5-3360M 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 Z3735G vs Core i5-3360M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom Z3735G

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 510W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,891 vs 2,892).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $17 MSRP, while Core i5-3360M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i5-3360M

2012

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌25500% higher power demand at 512W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3360M better than Atom Z3735G?

Yes. Core i5-3360M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-3360M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% 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 i5-3360M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core i5-3360M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-3360M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $17 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Atom Z3735G only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (170.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 Z3735G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom Z3735G vs Core i5-3360M Technical Specifications

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

Atom Z3735G

The Atom Z3735G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Bay Trail-T (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.33 GHz, with boost up to 1.83 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: UTFCBGA592. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,891 points. Launch price was $17.

Core i5-3360M

The Core i5-3360M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,892 points. Launch price was $266.

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Processing Power

The Atom Z3735G packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-3360M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Atom Z3735G has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.83 GHz on the Atom Z3735G versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3360M — a 62.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-3360M (base: 1.33 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Atom Z3735G uses the Bay Trail-T (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-3360M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Atom Z3735G scores 2,891 against the Core i5-3360M's 2,892 — a 0% lead for the Core i5-3360M. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Atom Z3735G vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3360M.

Feature	Atom Z3735G	Core i5-3360M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.83 GHz	3.5 GHz+91%
Base Clock	1.33 GHz	2.8 GHz+111%
L3 Cache	2 MB L2 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	2 MB	256K (per core)+12700%
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Bay Trail-T (2013−2014)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,891	2,892

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Memory & Platform

The Atom Z3735G uses the UTFCBGA592 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-3360M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-RS 1333 on the Atom Z3735G versus 1600 on the Core i5-3360M — the Core i5-3360M supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3360M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 1 GB — 3100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom Z3735G) vs 2 (Core i5-3360M). PCIe lanes: 0 (Atom Z3735G) vs 16 (Core i5-3360M) — the Core i5-3360M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FC-UTBGA592 (Atom Z3735G) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3360M).

Feature	Atom Z3735G	Core i5-3360M
Socket	UTFCBGA592	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-RS 1333	1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	1 GB	32 GB+3100%
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom Z3735G) / true (Core i5-3360M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail) (Atom Z3735G) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3360M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-3360M rivals AMD A10-4600M.