Atom C3538 vs Pentium G3420T

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 G3420T 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 G3420T: 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 35W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,910 vs 1,912).
❌No integrated graphics, while Pentium G3420T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Pentium G3420T.

Pentium G3420T

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, while Atom C3538 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Atom C3538.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $75 MSRP, while Atom C3538 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌133.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3420T better than Atom C3538?

Yes. Pentium G3420T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 40 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium G3420T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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 G3420T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G3420T is the better buy right now. Pentium G3420T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $75 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 40 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (25.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2013) and 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom C3538 vs Pentium G3420T 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 G3420T

The Pentium G3420T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,912 points. Launch price was $75.

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Processing Power

The Atom C3538 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Pentium G3420T offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Atom C3538 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Atom C3538 versus 2.7 GHz on the Pentium G3420T — a 25% clock advantage for the Pentium G3420T (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Atom C3538 uses the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Pentium G3420T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Atom C3538 scores 1,910 against the Pentium G3420T's 1,912 — a 0.1% lead for the Pentium G3420T. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Atom C3538 vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G3420T.

Feature	Atom C3538	Pentium G3420T
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	2.7 GHz+29%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	2.7 GHz+29%
L3 Cache	8 MB+167%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	8 MB+3100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Goldmont (2016−2017)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,910	1,912

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Memory & Platform

The Atom C3538 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G3420T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Atom C3538 versus DDR3-1600 on the Pentium G3420T — 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 (Pentium G3420T) — the Pentium G3420T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1310 (Atom C3538) and LGA1150 (Pentium G3420T).

Feature	Atom C3538	Pentium G3420T
Socket	FCBGA1310	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+33%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	256 GB+700%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom C3538) / VT-x, VT-d (Pentium G3420T). The Pentium G3420T includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Atom C3538 requires a dedicated GPU.