Atom C3538 vs Opteron X2170

Atom C3538 vs Opteron X2170 Performance Spectrum

Atom C3538

4 / 4

1,910

0.0%

1,911

+0.1%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Atom C3538 vs Opteron X2170 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 Opteron X2170: 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

✅Draws 15W instead of 25W, a 10W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,910 vs 1,911).

Opteron X2170

2016

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌66.7% higher power demand at 25W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Opteron X2170 better than Atom C3538?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron X2170 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Atom C3538 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Opteron X2170 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.7% more average FPS across 38 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Opteron X2170 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Opteron X2170 still makes the most sense overall. Opteron X2170 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 38 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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 2016). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom C3538 vs Opteron X2170 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.

Opteron X2170

The Opteron X2170 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Steppe Eagle (2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FT3. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,911 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

Both the Atom C3538 and Opteron X2170 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Atom C3538 versus 2.4 GHz on the Opteron X2170 — a 13.3% clock advantage for the Opteron X2170 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Atom C3538 uses the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Opteron X2170 uses Steppe Eagle (2016) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Atom C3538 scores 1,910 against the Opteron X2170's 1,911 — a 0.1% lead for the Opteron X2170. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Atom C3538 vs 0 kB on the Opteron X2170.

Feature	Atom C3538	Opteron X2170
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	2.4 GHz+14%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	2.4 GHz+14%
L3 Cache	8 MB	0 kB
L2 Cache	8 MB+300%	2 MB (total)
Process	14 nm-50%	28 nm
Architecture	Goldmont (2016−2017)	Steppe Eagle (2016)
PassMark	1,910	1,911

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Memory & Platform

The Atom C3538 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Opteron X2170 uses FT3 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.