CPU
GPU
Core i5-3360M
Atom x5-Z8300
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 i5-3360M is positioned at rank 183 and the Atom x5-Z8300 is on rank 4, so the Atom x5-Z8300 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3360M
Performance Per Dollar Atom x5-Z8300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3360M | Atom x5-Z8300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Cherry Trail (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3360M | Atom x5-Z8300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
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 i5-3360M and Atom x5-Z8300
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.
Atom x5-Z8300
The Atom x5-Z8300 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 1.44 GHz, with boost up to 1.84 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: UTFCBGA592. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,934 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3360M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Atom x5-Z8300 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Atom x5-Z8300 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3360M versus 1.84 GHz on the Atom x5-Z8300 — a 62.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-3360M (base: 2.8 GHz vs 1.44 GHz). The Core i5-3360M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Atom x5-Z8300 uses Cherry Trail (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3360M scores 2,892 against the Atom x5-Z8300's 2,934 — a 1.4% lead for the Atom x5-Z8300. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3360M vs 0 kB on the Atom x5-Z8300.
| Feature | Core i5-3360M | Atom x5-Z8300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz+90% | 1.84 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz+94% | 1.44 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 2 MB+700% |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Cherry Trail (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 2,892 | 2,934+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3360M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Atom x5-Z8300 uses UTFCBGA592 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i5-3360M versus DDR3L-RS 1600 on the Atom x5-Z8300 — the Core i5-3360M supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3360M supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 2 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-3360M) vs 1 (Atom x5-Z8300). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-3360M) vs 1 (Atom x5-Z8300) — the Core i5-3360M offers 15 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3360M) and Intel FC-UTBGA592 (Atom x5-Z8300).
| Feature | Core i5-3360M | Atom x5-Z8300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | UTFCBGA592 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+53233% | DDR3L-RS 1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 2 GB+6553500% |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+1500% | 1 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i5-3360M) / not specified (Atom x5-Z8300). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3360M) and Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) (Atom x5-Z8300) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-3360M rivals AMD A10-4600M.
| Feature | Core i5-3360M | Atom x5-Z8300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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