Phenom X4 9600B vs Atom N2800
Phenom X4 9600B
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 Phenom X4 9600B is positioned at rank 1055 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 Phenom X4 9600B
Performance Per Dollar Atom N2800
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Phenom X4 9600B | Atom N2800 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) | ✅ More affordable ($3) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Agena (2007−2008) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Cedarview-M (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Phenom X4 9600B | Atom N2800 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+562%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) | ✅ 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 Phenom X4 9600B and Atom N2800
Phenom X4 9600B
The Phenom X4 9600B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,842 points. Launch price was $149.
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 Phenom X4 9600B packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Atom N2800 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9600B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Phenom X4 9600B versus 1.87 GHz on the Atom N2800 — a 20.6% clock advantage for the Phenom X4 9600B. The Phenom X4 9600B uses the Agena (2007−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Atom N2800 uses Cedarview-M (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom X4 9600B scores 1,842 against the Atom N2800's 1,829 — a 0.7% lead for the Phenom X4 9600B. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9600B vs 0 kB on the Atom N2800.
| Feature | Phenom X4 9600B | Atom N2800 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.3 GHz+23% | 1.87 GHz |
| Base Clock | — | 1.86 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 32 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Agena (2007−2008) | Cedarview-M (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 1,842 | 1,829 |
Memory & Platform
The Phenom X4 9600B uses the AM2+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Atom N2800 uses FCBGA559 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-1066 on the Phenom X4 9600B versus DDR3-1066 on the Atom N2800 — the Atom N2800 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Phenom X4 9600B supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Phenom X4 9600B) vs 1 (Atom N2800). PCIe lanes: 0 (Phenom X4 9600B) vs 4 (Atom N2800) — the Atom N2800 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Phenom X4 9600B | Atom N2800 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM2+ | FCBGA559 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-1066 | DDR3-1066+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+300% | 4 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 4 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: AMD-V (Phenom X4 9600B) / not specified (Atom N2800). The Atom N2800 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 3650), while the Phenom X4 9600B requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Phenom X4 9600B targets Business.
| Feature | Phenom X4 9600B | Atom N2800 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel GMA 3650 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | — |
| Target Use | Business | — |
Value Analysis
The Phenom X4 9600B launched at $278 MSRP, while the Atom N2800 debuted at $47. At current prices ($20 vs $3), the Atom N2800 is $17 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Phenom X4 9600B delivers 92.1 pts/$ vs 609.7 pts/$ for the Atom N2800 — making the Atom N2800 the 147.5% better value option.
| Feature | Phenom X4 9600B | Atom N2800 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $278 | $47-83% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $20 | $3-85% |
| Performance per Dollar | 92.1 | 609.7+562% |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2011 |
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