Atom C3955 vs Core i7-3840QM

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 C3955 vs Core i7-3840QM 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 C3955 vs Core i7-3840QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom C3955

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Draws 32W instead of 45W, a 13W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,803 vs 5,871).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3840QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-3840QM

2012

Why buy it

✅+1.2% higher PassMark.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Atom C3955 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Atom C3955 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 16 MB).
❌40.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 32W.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom C3955 better than Core i7-3840QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Atom C3955 is ahead with a 8.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3840QM pulls ahead with 1.2% better PassMark. Atom C3955 also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 8 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3840QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Atom C3955 still makes the most sense overall. Atom C3955 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Atom C3955 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012) and 100% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 8 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom C3955 vs Core i7-3840QM Technical Specifications

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

Atom C3955

The Atom C3955 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 16 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB. L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1310. Thermal design power (TDP): 32 Watt. Memory support: DDR4: 2400. Passmark benchmark score: 5,803 points. Launch price was $434.

Core i7-3840QM

The Core i7-3840QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,871 points. Launch price was $568.

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Processing Power

The Atom C3955 packs 16 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i7-3840QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Atom C3955 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Atom C3955 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3840QM — a 45.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-3840QM (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Atom C3955 uses the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3840QM uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Atom C3955 scores 5,803 against the Core i7-3840QM's 5,871 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-3840QM. L3 cache: 16 MB on the Atom C3955 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-3840QM.

Feature	Atom C3955	Core i7-3840QM
Cores / Threads	16 / 16+300%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	3.8 GHz+58%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	2.8 GHz+33%
L3 Cache	16 MB+100%	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	16 MB	256K (per core)+1500%
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Goldmont (2016−2017)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	5,803	5,871+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	676

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Memory & Platform

The Atom C3955 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3840QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Atom C3955 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3840QM — the Atom C3955 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Atom C3955 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 C3955) vs 16 (Core i7-3840QM) — the Core i7-3840QM offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1310 (Atom C3955) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3840QM).

Feature	Atom C3955	Core i7-3840QM
Socket	FCBGA1310	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	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 C3955) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3840QM). The Core i7-3840QM includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Atom C3955 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3840QM targets Mobile Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-3840QM rivals A10-5750M.