Atom C3558 vs Core i7-2640M

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 i7-2640M 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 i7-2640M: 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

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,431 vs 2,445).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2640M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-2640M

2011

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌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 Core i7-2640M better than Atom C3558?

Yes. Core i7-2640M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2640M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.6% 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, Core i7-2640M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-2640M is the better buy right now. Core i7-2640M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $346 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 C3558 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011) and 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom C3558 vs Core i7-2640M 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 i7-2640M

The Core i7-2640M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 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: 2,445 points. Launch price was $346.

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Processing Power

The Atom C3558 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-2640M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Atom C3558 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Atom C3558 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-2640M — a 45.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-2640M (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Atom C3558 uses the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2640M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Atom C3558 scores 2,431 against the Core i7-2640M's 2,445 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-2640M. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Atom C3558 vs 4 MB on the Core i7-2640M.

Feature	Atom C3558	Core i7-2640M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	3.5 GHz+59%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.8 GHz+27%
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	2,445
Geekbench 6 Single	—	563
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,184

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Memory & Platform

The Atom C3558 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2640M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Atom C3558 versus 1333 on the Core i7-2640M — 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 i7-2640M) — the Core i7-2640M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1310 (Atom C3558) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2640M).

Feature	Atom C3558	Core i7-2640M
Socket	FCBGA1310	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+60%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	256 GB+1500%	16 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) / true (Core i7-2640M). The Core i7-2640M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Atom C3558 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2640M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.