Atom C3558 vs Phenom II X4 840

Intel

Atom C3558

4 Cores4 Thrd16 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X4 840

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Atom C3558 vs Phenom II X4 840 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 C3558 vs Phenom II X4 840 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 Phenom II X4 840: 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

  • Draws 16W instead of 95W, a 79W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,431 vs 2,449).

Phenom II X4 840

2011

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • 493.8% higher power demand at 95W vs 16W.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Phenom II X4 840 better than Atom C3558?
    Yes. Phenom II X4 840 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Phenom II X4 840 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.7% 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, Phenom II X4 840 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Phenom II X4 840 still makes the most sense overall. Phenom II X4 840 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
    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). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Atom C3558 vs Phenom II X4 840 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    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.

    AMD

    Phenom II X4 840

    The Phenom II X4 840 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Propus (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,449 points. Launch price was $90.

    Processing Power

    Both the Atom C3558 and Phenom II X4 840 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Atom C3558 versus 3.2 GHz on the Phenom II X4 840 — a 37% clock advantage for the Phenom II X4 840 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Atom C3558 uses the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Phenom II X4 840 uses Propus (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom C3558 scores 2,431 against the Phenom II X4 840's 2,449 — a 0.7% lead for the Phenom II X4 840. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Atom C3558 vs 0 kB on the Phenom II X4 840.

    FeatureAtom C3558Phenom II X4 840
    Cores / Threads
    4 / 4
    4 / 4
    Boost Clock
    2.2 GHz
    3.2 GHz+45%
    Base Clock
    2.2 GHz
    3.2 GHz+45%
    L3 Cache
    8 MB
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    8 MB+1500%
    512 kB (per core)
    Process
    14 nm-69%
    45 nm
    Architecture
    Goldmont (2016−2017)
    Propus (2009−2011)
    PassMark
    2,431
    2,449
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Atom C3558 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X4 840 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureAtom C3558Phenom II X4 840
    Socket
    FCBGA1310
    AM3
    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