Core i5-3570K vs Atom C3858
Core i5-3570K
Atom C3858
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 Core i5-3570K is positioned at rank 749 and the Atom C3858 is on rank 310, so the Atom C3858 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3570K
Performance Per Dollar Atom C3858
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3570K | Atom C3858 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($35) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Goldmont (2016−2017) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3570K | Atom C3858 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($35) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Core i5-3570K and Atom C3858
Core i5-3570K
The Core i5-3570K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,971 points. Launch price was $235.
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.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3570K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Atom C3858 offers 12 cores / 12 threads — the Atom C3858 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-3570K versus 2 GHz on the Atom C3858 — a 62.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-3570K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-3570K uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Atom C3858 uses Goldmont (2016−2017) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3570K scores 4,971 against the Atom C3858's 5,040 — a 1.4% lead for the Atom C3858. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3570K vs 12 MB on the Atom C3858.
| Feature | Core i5-3570K | Atom C3858 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 12 / 12+200% |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz+90% | 2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+70% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 12 MB+100% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 12 MB+4700% |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Goldmont (2016−2017) |
| PassMark | 4,971 | 5,040+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3570K uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Atom C3858 uses FCBGA1310 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3570K versus DDR4-2400 on the Atom C3858 — the Atom C3858 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Atom C3858 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-3570K) vs 12 (Atom C3858) — the Core i5-3570K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z75,Z77 (Core i5-3570K) and Intel FCBGA1310 (Atom C3858).
| Feature | Core i5-3570K | Atom C3858 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | FCBGA1310 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR4-2400+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 256 GB+700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+33% | 12 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i5-3570K) / not specified (Atom C3858). The Core i5-3570K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Atom C3858 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3570K targets Legacy Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3570K rivals FX-8350.
| Feature | Core i5-3570K | Atom C3858 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4000 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Legacy Gaming Desktop | — |
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