Atom C3558 vs Core i3-3245

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 C3558 vs Core i3-3245 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 C3558 vs Core i3-3245: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Atom C3558

2017

Why buy it

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 16W instead of 55W, a 39W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3245 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-3245

2013

Why buy it

✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Atom C3558 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,412 vs 2,431).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $120 MSRP, while Atom C3558 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌243.8% higher power demand at 55W vs 16W.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom C3558 better than Core i3-3245?

Yes. Atom C3558 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.8% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Atom C3558 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Atom C3558 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Atom C3558 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Atom C3558 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $120 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-3245 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (20.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Atom C3558 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2013), 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Atom C3558 vs Core i3-3245 Technical Specifications

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

Atom C3558

The Atom C3558 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1310. Thermal design power (TDP): 16 Watt. Memory support: DDR4: 2133. Passmark benchmark score: 2,431 points. Launch price was $86.

Core i3-3245

The Core i3-3245 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2013 (12 years ago). It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,412 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Atom C3558 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-3245 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Atom C3558 has 2 more cores. The Atom C3558 is built on the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture. In PassMark, the Atom C3558 scores 2,431 against the Core i3-3245's 2,412 — a 0.8% lead for the Atom C3558. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Atom C3558 vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i3-3245.

Feature	Atom C3558	Core i3-3245
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	3.4 GHz+55%
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	2,431	2,412

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Memory & Platform

The Atom C3558 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-3245 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Atom C3558 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3245 — the Atom C3558 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Atom C3558 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 C3558) vs 16 (Core i3-3245) — the Core i3-3245 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Atom C3558	Core i3-3245
Socket	FCBGA1310	LGA1155
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	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom C3558) / VT-x (Core i3-3245). The Core i3-3245 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Atom C3558 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3245 targets Desktop.