Atom C3538 vs Core i3-3130M

Atom C3538

4 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 2.1 GHz2017

Core i3-3130M

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2013

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Atom C3538

4 / 4

1,910

+0.2%

1,906

0.0%

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 Atom C3538 is positioned at rank 389 and the Core i3-3130M is on rank 22, so the Core i3-3130M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

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 C3538

Xeon Platinum 8454H

MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A

5440%

Xeon Gold 6240R

MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A

1027%

#10

Xeon 6337P

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

913%

#15

EPYC 9174F

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

705%

#266

EPYC 7C13

MSRP: $2000|Avg: $2000

100%

#267

Xeon Gold 6336Y

MSRP: $3245|Avg: N/A

99%

#268

Xeon w5-2565X

MSRP: $1389|Avg: $1389

99%

#269

Xeon Silver 4416+

MSRP: $1186|Avg: $1176

97%

#270

Xeon E-2176G

MSRP: $367|Avg: $405

97%

#389

Atom C3538

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#400

Xeon D-1537

MSRP: $470|Avg: $350

97%

#401

Xeon E3-1505M v6

MSRP: $434|Avg: N/A

97%

#402

Xeon E5-1630 v3

MSRP: $372|Avg: $299

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3130M

#10

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

154%

#11

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

152%

#12

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

139%

#13

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

139%

#14

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

137%

#16

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

133%

#17

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

127%

#18

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

127%

#19

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

124%

#22

Core i3-3130M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

100%

#23

Core 2 Duo T5550

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $5

96%

#24

Core 2 Duo T7100

MSRP: $197|Avg: $15

95%

#27

Pentium 2030M

MSRP: $134|Avg: N/A

92%

#28

Core 2 Duo T5750

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $8

91%

#29

Core 2 Duo T7200

MSRP: $286|Avg: $6

90%

#30

Core i5-3230M

MSRP: $225|Avg: $13

90%

#31

Atom D525

MSRP: $63|Avg: N/A

90%

#32

Atom x7835RE

MSRP: $127|Avg: N/A

89%

#33

Core 2 Duo P8400

MSRP: $209|Avg: $10

87%

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 C3538 (2017) utilizes 14 nm technology and DDR4: 2133, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Atom C3538	Core i3-3130M
Gaming	❌ Lower gaming performance	✅ Superior gaming performance
Workstation	✅ Better multi-core power	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($225)
Longevity	✨ Modern (Goldmont (2016−2017) / 14 nm)	🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core i3-3130M (2013) relies on 22 nm technology and DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Atom C3538	Core i3-3130M
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($225)

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 C3538 Benchmark Check

Core i3-3130M Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Atom C3538 and Core i3-3130M

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.

⚡

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+3100%	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Goldmont (2016−2017)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	1,910	1,906

🧠

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 Core i3-3130M supports 199% 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 — 155.6% 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	1600+39900%
Max RAM Capacity	256 GB+838860700%	32
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	✅	❌
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

🔧

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.