Core 2 Duo T5550 vs Atom N2800
Core 2 Duo T5550
Atom N2800
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. The Core 2 Duo T5550 is positioned at rank 23 and the Atom N2800 is on rank 147, so the Core 2 Duo T5550 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo T5550
Performance Per Dollar Atom N2800
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T5550 | Atom N2800 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($5) | ✅ More affordable ($3) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Cedarview-M (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T5550 | Atom N2800 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+67%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($5) | ✅ More affordable ($3) |
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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Duo T5550 and Atom N2800
Core 2 Duo T5550
The Core 2 Duo T5550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.83 GHz, with boost up to 1.83 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,826 points. Launch price was $249.
Atom N2800
The Atom N2800 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 December 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Cedarview-M (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.87 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA559. Thermal design power (TDP): 6.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,829 points. Launch price was $47.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo T5550 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Atom N2800's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.83 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5550 versus 1.87 GHz on the Atom N2800 — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Atom N2800 (base: 1.83 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T5550 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Atom N2800 uses Cedarview-M (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5550 scores 1,826 against the Atom N2800's 1,829 — a 0.2% lead for the Atom N2800. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T5550 vs 0 kB on the Atom N2800.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5550 | Atom N2800 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 1.83 GHz | 1.87 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 1.83 GHz | 1.86 GHz+2% |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB L2 Cache | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+300% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 32 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Merom (2006−2008) | Cedarview-M (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 1,826 | 1,829 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo T5550 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Atom N2800 uses FCBGA559 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5550 | Atom N2800 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | FCBGA559 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 4 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 1 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 4 |
Advanced Features
The Atom N2800 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 3650), while the Core 2 Duo T5550 requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5550 | Atom N2800 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel GMA 3650 |
Value Analysis
At current prices ($5 vs $3), the Atom N2800 is $2 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo T5550 delivers 365.2 pts/$ vs 609.7 pts/$ for the Atom N2800 — making the Atom N2800 the 50.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5550 | Atom N2800 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | — | $47 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $5 | $3-40% |
| Performance per Dollar | 365.2 | 609.7+67% |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2011 |
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