CPU
GPU
Core i3-2100T
Atom N2600
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 i3-2100T is positioned at rank 962 and the Atom N2600 is on rank 40, so the Atom N2600 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2100T
Performance Per Dollar Atom N2600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2100T | Atom N2600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($127) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Cedarview-M (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2100T | Atom N2600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($127) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i3-2100T and Atom N2600
Core i3-2100T
The Core i3-2100T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,531 points. Launch price was $180.
Atom N2600
The Atom N2600 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 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA559. Thermal design power (TDP): 3.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,528 points. Launch price was $47.
Processing Power
Both the Core i3-2100T and Atom N2600 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-2100T versus 1.6 GHz on the Atom N2600 — a 43.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-2100T (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core i3-2100T uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Atom N2600 uses Cedarview-M (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2100T scores 1,531 against the Atom N2600's 1,528 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-2100T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2100T vs 0 kB on the Atom N2600.
| Feature | Core i3-2100T | Atom N2600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz+56% | 1.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz+56% | 1.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Cedarview-M (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 1,531 | 1,528 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-2100T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Atom N2600 uses FCBGA559 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-2100T | Atom N2600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | FCBGA559 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 2 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 1 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 4 |
Advanced Features
The Atom N2600 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 3600), while the Core i3-2100T requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core i3-2100T | Atom N2600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel GMA 3600 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i3-2100T and Atom N2600
