Atom x5-E3940 vs Xeon E5503

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 x5-E3940 vs Xeon E5503 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 x5-E3940 vs Xeon E5503: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom x5-E3940

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 10W instead of 80W, a 70W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (6 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 500, while Xeon E5503 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon E5503

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Atom x5-E3940 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,815 vs 1,816).
❌700% higher power demand at 80W vs 10W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Atom x5-E3940 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom x5-E3940 better than Xeon E5503?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5503 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Atom x5-E3940 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Atom x5-E3940 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.5% 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 x5-E3940 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Atom x5-E3940 still makes the most sense overall. Atom x5-E3940 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Atom x5-E3940 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Atom x5-E3940 vs Xeon E5503 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon E5503

The Xeon E5503 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,815 points. Launch price was $287.

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Processing Power

The Atom x5-E3940 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5503 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 2 GHz on the Xeon E5503 — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E5503 (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Atom x5-E3940 uses the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5503 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom x5-E3940 scores 1,816 against the Xeon E5503's 1,815 — a 0.1% lead for the Atom x5-E3940. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom x5-E3940 vs 4 MB (total) on the Xeon E5503.

Feature	Atom x5-E3940	Xeon E5503
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.8 GHz	2 GHz+11%
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	2 GHz+25%
L3 Cache	0 kB	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB (total)+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Apollo Lake (2014−2016)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,816	1,815

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Memory & Platform

The Atom x5-E3940 uses the FCBGA1296 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5503 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Atom x5-E3940	Xeon E5503
Socket	FCBGA1296	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1866	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	6	—