Atom C3858 vs Xeon E3-1505L v5

Intel

Atom C3858

12 Cores12 Thrd25 WWMax: 2 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1505L v5

4 Cores8 Thrd25 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2015
Similar parts
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Atom C3858 vs Xeon E3-1505L v5 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 C3858 vs Xeon E3-1505L v5 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 C3858 vs Xeon E3-1505L v5: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom C3858

2017

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +15.5% higher average FPS across 23 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (5,040 vs 5,083).

Xeon E3-1505L v5

2015

Why buy it

  • +0.9% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Atom C3858 across 23 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1505L v5 better than Atom C3858?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1505L v5 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Atom C3858 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3-1505L v5 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E3-1505L v5 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E3-1505L v5 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.9% better PassMark.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Atom C3858 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2015) and 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom C3858 vs Xeon E3-1505L v5 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Atom C3858

The Atom C3858 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 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB. L2 cache: 12 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1310. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR4: 2400. Passmark benchmark score: 5,040 points. Launch price was $332.

Intel

Xeon E3-1505L v5

The Xeon E3-1505L v5 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-H (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 5,083 points. Launch price was $433.

Processing Power

The Atom C3858 packs 12 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E3-1505L v5 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Atom C3858 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Atom C3858 versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1505L v5 — a 33.3% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1505L v5 (base: 2 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Atom C3858 uses the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1505L v5 uses Skylake-H (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Atom C3858 scores 5,040 against the Xeon E3-1505L v5's 5,083 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon E3-1505L v5. L3 cache: 12 MB on the Atom C3858 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1505L v5.

FeatureAtom C3858Xeon E3-1505L v5
Cores / Threads
12 / 12+200%
4 / 8
Boost Clock
2 GHz
2.8 GHz+40%
Base Clock
2 GHz
2 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB+50%
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
12 MB+4700%
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Goldmont (2016−2017)
Skylake-H (2015−2016)
PassMark
5,040
5,083
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Memory & Platform

The Atom C3858 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1505L v5 uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAtom C3858Xeon E3-1505L v5
Socket
FCBGA1310
BGA1440
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity
256 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
12