CPU
GPU
Atom C3538
Pentium G3240
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.
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 Pentium G3240 is on rank 757, so the Atom C3538 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Atom C3538
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G3240
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom C3538 | Pentium G3240 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($126) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Goldmont (2016−2017) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom C3538 | Pentium G3240 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($126) |
Performance Check
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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Atom C3538 and Pentium G3240
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.
Pentium G3240
The Pentium G3240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,930 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Atom C3538 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Pentium G3240 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Atom C3538 has 2 more cores. The Atom C3538 is built on the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture. In PassMark, the Atom C3538 scores 1,910 against the Pentium G3240's 1,930 — a 1% lead for the Pentium G3240. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Atom C3538 vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G3240.
| Feature | Atom C3538 | Pentium G3240 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.1 GHz | — |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.1 GHz+48% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB+167% | 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache |
| L2 Cache | 8 MB | — |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Goldmont (2016−2017) | — |
| PassMark | 1,910 | 1,930+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Atom C3538 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G3240 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Atom C3538 | Pentium G3240 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1310 | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | — |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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