
Atom x5-E3940 vs Core 2 Duo T7100

Atom x5-E3940

Core 2 Duo T7100
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Atom x5-E3940 is positioned at rank 337 and the Core 2 Duo T7100 is on rank 24, so the Core 2 Duo T7100 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Atom x5-E3940
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo T7100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom x5-E3940 | Core 2 Duo T7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Apollo Lake (2014−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom x5-E3940 | Core 2 Duo T7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Atom x5-E3940 and Core 2 Duo T7100

Atom x5-E3940
The Atom x5-E3940 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1296. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,816 points. Launch price was $69.

Core 2 Duo T7100
The Core 2 Duo T7100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 May 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,817 points. Launch price was $197.
Processing Power
The Atom x5-E3940 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Duo T7100 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Atom x5-E3940 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Atom x5-E3940 versus 1.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T7100 — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.6 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Atom x5-E3940 uses the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T7100 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Atom x5-E3940 scores 1,816 against the Core 2 Duo T7100's 1,817 — a 0.1% lead for the Core 2 Duo T7100. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Atom x5-E3940 | Core 2 Duo T7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 1.8 GHz | 1.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.6 GHz | 1.8 GHz+12% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (total) | 2 MB |
| Process | 14 nm-78% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Apollo Lake (2014−2016) | Merom (2006−2008) |
| PassMark | 1,816 | 1,817 |
Memory & Platform
The Atom x5-E3940 uses the FCBGA1296 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo T7100 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1866 on the Atom x5-E3940 versus DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T7100 — the Atom x5-E3940 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1296 (Atom x5-E3940) and GM965,PM965 (Core 2 Duo T7100).
| Feature | Atom x5-E3940 | Core 2 Duo T7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1296 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-1866+50% | DDR2-667 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 6 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Atom x5-E3940) / VT-x (Core 2 Duo T7100). The Atom x5-E3940 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 500), while the Core 2 Duo T7100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T7100 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T7100 rivals Athlon 64 X2 TK-42.
| Feature | Atom x5-E3940 | Core 2 Duo T7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 500 | — |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
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