CPU
GPU
Core i7-820QM
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 i7-820QM is positioned at rank 1231 and the Atom N2800 is on rank 147, so the Atom N2800 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-820QM
Performance Per Dollar Atom N2800
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-820QM | Atom N2800 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($546) | ✅ More affordable ($3) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Cedarview-M (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-820QM | Atom N2800 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+18200%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($546) | ✅ 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 i7-820QM and Atom N2800
Core i7-820QM
The Core i7-820QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.73 GHz, with boost up to 3.06 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,819 points. Launch price was $546.
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 i7-820QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Atom N2800 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-820QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.06 GHz on the Core i7-820QM versus 1.87 GHz on the Atom N2800 — a 48.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-820QM (base: 1.73 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Core i7-820QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Atom N2800 uses Cedarview-M (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-820QM scores 1,819 against the Atom N2800's 1,829 — a 0.5% lead for the Atom N2800. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-820QM vs 0 kB on the Atom N2800.
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | Atom N2800 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.06 GHz+64% | 1.87 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.73 GHz | 1.86 GHz+8% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Clarksfield (2009−2010) | Cedarview-M (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 1,819 | 1,829 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-820QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Atom N2800 uses FCBGA559 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i7-820QM versus DDR3-1066 on the Atom N2800 — the Core i7-820QM supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-820QM supports up to 8 of RAM compared to 4 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-820QM) vs 1 (Atom N2800). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-820QM) vs 4 (Atom N2800) — the Core i7-820QM offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-820QM) and Intel NM10 (Atom N2800).
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | Atom N2800 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | FCBGA559 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 4 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+300% | 4 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i7-820QM) / not specified (Atom N2800). The Atom N2800 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 3650), while the Core i7-820QM requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-820QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | Atom N2800 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel GMA 3650 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-820QM launched at $546 MSRP, while the Atom N2800 debuted at $47.
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | Atom N2800 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $546 | $47-91% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $3 |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2011 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i7-820QM and Atom N2800
