Atom C3538 vs Pentium G3240

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 Pentium G3240 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 Pentium G3240: 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

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 15W instead of 53W, a 38W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,910 vs 1,930).

Pentium G3240

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $89 MSRP, while Atom C3538 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌253.3% higher power demand at 53W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3240 better than Atom C3538?

Yes. Pentium G3240 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 40 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium G3240 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% more average FPS across 40 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium G3240 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G3240 is the better buy right now. Pentium G3240 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $89 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 40 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (21.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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 2014) and 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom C3538 vs Pentium G3240 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.

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.

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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%

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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	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	12	—