Atom C3955 vs Core i7-4710MQ

Intel

Atom C3955

16 Cores16 Thrd32 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-4710MQ

4 Cores8 Thrd47 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Atom C3955 vs Core i7-4710MQ 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 C3955 vs Core i7-4710MQ 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 i7-4710MQ: 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: +10.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +166.7% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Draws 32W instead of 47W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4710MQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-4710MQ

2013

Why buy it

  • 33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4600, while Atom C3955 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Atom C3955 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (5,792 vs 5,803).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 16 MB).
  • Launch MSRP is still $378 MSRP, while Atom C3955 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 46.9% higher power demand at 47W vs 32W.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom C3955 better than Core i7-4710MQ?
Yes. Atom C3955 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Atom C3955 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.4% 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, Atom C3955 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 6 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Atom C3955 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Atom C3955 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-4710MQ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (15.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA946.
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 2013), 166.7% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 6 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 16 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Atom C3955 vs Core i7-4710MQ Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Core i7-4710MQ

The Core i7-4710MQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 May 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,792 points. Launch price was $378.

Processing Power

The Atom C3955 packs 16 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i7-4710MQ offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Atom C3955 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Atom C3955 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-4710MQ — a 37.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-4710MQ (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Atom C3955 uses the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-4710MQ uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Atom C3955 scores 5,803 against the Core i7-4710MQ's 5,792 — a 0.2% lead for the Atom C3955. L3 cache: 16 MB on the Atom C3955 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-4710MQ.

FeatureAtom C3955Core i7-4710MQ
Cores / Threads
16 / 16+300%
4 / 8
Boost Clock
2.4 GHz
3.5 GHz+46%
Base Clock
2.1 GHz
2.5 GHz+19%
L3 Cache
16 MB+167%
6 MB (total)
L2 Cache
16 MB
256K (per core)+1500%
Process
14 nm-36%
22 nm
Architecture
Goldmont (2016−2017)
Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark
5,803
5,792
Geekbench 6 Single
950
Geekbench 6 Multi
3,200
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Memory & Platform

The Atom C3955 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4710MQ uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Atom C3955 versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i7-4710MQ — 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 i7-4710MQ) — the Core i7-4710MQ offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1310 (Atom C3955) and HM86,HM87,QM87 (Core i7-4710MQ).

FeatureAtom C3955Core i7-4710MQ
Socket
FCBGA1310
PGA946
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400+50%
DDR3L-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, EPT (Core i7-4710MQ). The Core i7-4710MQ includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4600), while the Atom C3955 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4710MQ targets Laptop.

FeatureAtom C3955Core i7-4710MQ
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, EPT
Target Use
Laptop