Atom C3338 vs Core 2 Duo E8235

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. The Atom C3338 is positioned at rank #543 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 C3338

#1

Xeon Platinum 8454H

MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A

8086%

#6

Xeon Gold 6240R

MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A

1527%

#10

Xeon 6337P

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

1356%

#15

EPYC 9174F

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

1048%

#332

Xeon W-2235

MSRP: $555|Avg: $350

100%

#333

Xeon Gold 5317

MSRP: $1088|Avg: $1100

98%

#334

Xeon W-2275

MSRP: $1112|Avg: $500

98%

#335

Xeon Gold 6430

MSRP: $2128|Avg: $1850

97%

#336

Xeon Gold 6421N

MSRP: $2368|Avg: $2427

97%

#543

Atom C3338

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#544

Xeon W3670

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

100%

#547

Xeon E3-1240 v2

MSRP: $250|Avg: $150

99%

#548

Xeon E3-1220 v3

MSRP: $203|Avg: $89

99%

#551

Xeon W-2102

MSRP: $202|Avg: $286

98%

#553

Xeon E3-1265L v2

MSRP: $265|Avg: N/A

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Atom C3338 (2017) utilizes 14 nm technology and DDR4: 1866, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Atom C3338	Core 2 Duo E8235
Gaming	❌ Lower gaming performance	✅ Superior gaming performance
Workstation	✅ Better multi-core power	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($20)
Longevity	✨ Modern (Goldmont (2016−2017) / 14 nm)	🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core 2 Duo E8235 (2009) relies on 45 nm technology and DDR2, DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Atom C3338	Core 2 Duo E8235
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($20)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Atom C3338 Benchmark Check

Core 2 Duo E8235 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Atom C3338 and Core 2 Duo E8235

Atom C3338

The Atom C3338 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 February 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1310. Thermal design power (TDP): 8.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR4: 1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,028 points. Launch price was $27.

Core 2 Duo E8235

The Core 2 Duo E8235 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: P. Thermal design power (TDP): 44 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,020 points. Launch price was $249.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Atom C3338 and Core 2 Duo E8235 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Atom C3338 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8235 — a 24% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8235 (base: 1.5 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Atom C3338 uses the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E8235 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom C3338 scores 1,028 against the Core 2 Duo E8235's 1,020 — a 0.8% lead for the Atom C3338.

Feature	Atom C3338	Core 2 Duo E8235
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	2.8 GHz+27%
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	2.8 GHz+87%
L3 Cache	4 MB	—
L2 Cache	4 MB	6 MB (total)+50%
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Goldmont (2016−2017)	Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark	1,028	1,020

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Atom C3338 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo E8235 uses P (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Atom C3338	Core 2 Duo E8235
Socket	FCBGA1310	P
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+173%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-1866	—
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	—
RAM Channels	1	—
ECC Support	✅	—
PCIe Lanes	10	—