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.

Atom C3538 vs Core i3-3130M FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Atom C3538 vs Core i3-3130M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Atom C3538

2017

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 15W instead of 512W, a 497W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3130M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-3130M

2013

Why buy it

✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Atom C3538 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,906 vs 1,910).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Atom C3538 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌3313.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom C3538 better than Core i3-3130M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-3130M is ahead with a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Atom C3538 pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark. Atom C3538 also has the bigger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Atom C3538 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Atom C3538 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Atom C3538 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark. Core i3-3130M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (8.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Atom C3538 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2013), 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Atom C3538 vs Core i3-3130M Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Atom C3538

The Atom C3538 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1310. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4: 2133. Passmark benchmark score: 1,910 points. Launch price was $75.

Core i3-3130M

The Core i3-3130M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 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: 1,906 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Atom C3538 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-3130M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Atom C3538 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Atom C3538 versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i3-3130M — a 21.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-3130M (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Atom C3538 uses the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-3130M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Atom C3538 scores 1,910 against the Core i3-3130M's 1,906 — a 0.2% lead for the Atom C3538. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Atom C3538 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3130M.

Feature	Atom C3538	Core i3-3130M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	2.6 GHz+24%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	2.6 GHz+24%
L3 Cache	8 MB+167%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	8 MB	256K (per core)+3100%
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Goldmont (2016−2017)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	1,910	1,906

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Memory & Platform

The Atom C3538 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-3130M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Atom C3538 versus 1600 on the Core i3-3130M — the Atom C3538 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Atom C3538 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Atom C3538) vs 16 (Core i3-3130M) — the Core i3-3130M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1310 (Atom C3538) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i3-3130M).

Feature	Atom C3538	Core i3-3130M
Socket	FCBGA1310	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+33%	1600
Max RAM Capacity	256 GB+700%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom C3538) / true (Core i3-3130M). The Core i3-3130M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Atom C3538 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-3130M rivals AMD A8-4500M.