Atom C3538 vs Xeon E5507

Intel

Atom C3538

4 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 2.1 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5507

4 Cores4 Thrd80 WWMax: 0.27 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Atom C3538 vs Xeon E5507 Performance Spectrum

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 Xeon E5507 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 Xeon E5507: 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

  • +100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Draws 15W instead of 80W, a 65W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon E5507

2010

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,905 vs 1,910).
    • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
    • 433.3% higher power demand at 80W vs 15W.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Atom C3538 better than Xeon E5507?
    Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5507 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, Atom C3538 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.3% more average FPS across 35 shared CPU game tests.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Atom C3538 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Atom C3538 still makes the most sense overall. Atom C3538 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 35 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 2010), 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Atom C3538 vs Xeon E5507 Technical Specifications

    Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

    Intel

    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.

    Intel

    Xeon E5507

    The Xeon E5507 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 0.27 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,905 points. Launch price was $457.

    Processing Power

    Both the Atom C3538 and Xeon E5507 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Atom C3538 versus 0.27 GHz on the Xeon E5507 — a 154.4% clock advantage for the Atom C3538 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Atom C3538 uses the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5507 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom C3538 scores 1,910 against the Xeon E5507's 1,905 — a 0.3% lead for the Atom C3538. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Atom C3538 vs 4 MB (total) on the Xeon E5507.

    FeatureAtom C3538Xeon E5507
    Cores / Threads
    4 / 4
    4 / 4
    Boost Clock
    2.1 GHz+678%
    0.27 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.1 GHz
    2.26 GHz+8%
    L3 Cache
    8 MB+100%
    4 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    8 MB+3100%
    256 kB (per core)
    Process
    14 nm-69%
    45 nm
    Architecture
    Goldmont (2016−2017)
    Gainestown (2009−2010)
    PassMark
    1,910
    1,905
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Atom C3538 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5507 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureAtom C3538Xeon E5507
    Socket
    FCBGA1310
    LGA1366
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0+50%
    PCIe 2.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR4-2133
    Max RAM Capacity
    256 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    Yes
    PCIe Lanes
    12