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 i7-2620M 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 i7-2620M: 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

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 16W instead of 35W, a 19W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2620M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-2620M

2011

Why buy it

✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD 3000, while Atom C3558 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,424 vs 2,431).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $346 MSRP, while Atom C3558 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌118.8% higher power demand at 35W vs 16W.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom C3558 better than Core i7-2620M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-2620M is ahead with a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Atom C3558 pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark. Atom C3558 also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

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 0.3% 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 C3558 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Atom C3558 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $346 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. Core i7-2620M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (7.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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 2011), 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 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 i7-2620M 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 i7-2620M

The Core i7-2620M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,424 points. Launch price was $346.

⚡

Processing Power

The Atom C3558 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-2620M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Atom C3558 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Atom C3558 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-2620M — a 42.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-2620M (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Atom C3558 uses the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2620M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Atom C3558 scores 2,431 against the Core i7-2620M's 2,424 — a 0.3% lead for the Atom C3558. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Atom C3558 vs 4 MB on the Core i7-2620M.

Feature	Atom C3558	Core i7-2620M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	3.4 GHz+55%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.7 GHz+23%
L3 Cache	8 MB+100%	4 MB
L2 Cache	8 MB+1500%	512 kB
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Goldmont (2016−2017)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,431	2,424
Geekbench 6 Single	—	509
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,222

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Atom C3558 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2620M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Atom C3558 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2620M — the Atom C3558 supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Atom C3558 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Atom C3558) vs 16 (Core i7-2620M) — the Core i7-2620M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1310 (Atom C3558) and HM65,QM67,HM67,QS67 (Core i7-2620M).

Feature	Atom C3558	Core i7-2620M
Socket	FCBGA1310	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+60%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	256 GB+1500%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom C3558) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-2620M). The Core i7-2620M includes integrated graphics (HD 3000), while the Atom C3558 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2620M targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i7-2620M rivals Core i5-2410M.