Core i7-2640M vs Atom C3558
Core i7-2640M
Atom C3558
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 i7-2640M is positioned at rank 1159 and the Atom C3558 is on rank 365, so the Atom C3558 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2640M
Performance Per Dollar Atom C3558
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-2640M | Atom C3558 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Goldmont (2016−2017) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-2640M | Atom C3558 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) | ✅ 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 i7-2640M and Atom C3558
Core i7-2640M
The Core i7-2640M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,445 points. Launch price was $346.
Atom C3558
The Atom C3558 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 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1310. Thermal design power (TDP): 16 Watt. Memory support: DDR4: 2133. Passmark benchmark score: 2,431 points. Launch price was $86.
Processing Power
The Core i7-2640M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Atom C3558 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Atom C3558 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-2640M versus 2.2 GHz on the Atom C3558 — a 45.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-2640M (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i7-2640M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Atom C3558 uses Goldmont (2016−2017) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2640M scores 2,445 against the Atom C3558's 2,431 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-2640M. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i7-2640M vs 8 MB on the Atom C3558.
| Feature | Core i7-2640M | Atom C3558 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz+59% | 2.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz+27% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB | 8 MB+100% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 8 MB+1500% |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Goldmont (2016−2017) |
| PassMark | 2,445 | 2,431 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 563 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,184 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-2640M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Atom C3558 uses FCBGA1310 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i7-2640M versus DDR4-2133 on the Atom C3558 — the Core i7-2640M supports 198.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Atom C3558 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 16 — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-2640M) vs 12 (Atom C3558) — the Core i7-2640M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2640M) and Intel FCBGA1310 (Atom C3558).
| Feature | Core i7-2640M | Atom C3558 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | FCBGA1310 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+33225% | DDR4-2133 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 256 GB+1677721500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+33% | 12 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i7-2640M) / not specified (Atom C3558). The Core i7-2640M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Atom C3558 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2640M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.
| Feature | Core i7-2640M | Atom C3558 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
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