Atom x5-Z8500
CPU·Budget

Atom x5-Z8500

Intel

PassMark

1,242

2 March 2015 (10 years ago)
Cherry Trail (2015−2016)

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.

Overview

The Atom x5-Z8500 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 2.24 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: UTFCBGA1380. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,242 points. Launch price was $69.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Atom x5-Z8500 is positioned at rank #450 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Atom x5-Z8500

#438
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
591%
#439
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
582%
#440
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
534%
#441
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
532%
#442
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
527%
#444
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
509%
#445
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
488%
#446
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
487%
#447
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
474%
#450
Atom x5-Z8500
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Atom x5-Z8500 specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Atom x5-Z8500 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.24 GHz from a base frequency of 1.44 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 2 MB of L2 cache. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,242, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationAtom x5-Z8500
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.24 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency1.44 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designCherry Trail (2015−2016)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data2 MB
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)90 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,242
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Memory & Platform

The Atom x5-Z8500 fits into the UTFCBGA1380 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 2 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to LPDDR3-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 8 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationAtom x5-Z8500
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct family5x Intel Atom
SocketMotherboard socket requiredUTFCBGA1380
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion2
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyLPDDR3-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory8 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorIntel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail)
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUIntel FC-UTBGA592
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1 (Uniprocessor)
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Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #450 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2922 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationAtom x5-Z8500
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$69
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#450
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2922
Release DateLaunch date2 March 2015 (10 years ago)
Release Year2015
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel

Our Recommendation for Atom x5-Z8500

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