Atom C3958
Intel
PassMark
3,929
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.
Overview
The Atom C3958 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 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB. L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1310. Thermal design power (TDP): 31 Watt. Memory support: DDR4: 2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,929 points. Launch price was $449.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Atom C3958 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Call of Duty: Warzone
Civilization VI
Counter-Strike 2
Destiny 2
Final Fantasy XIV
Genshin Impact
Hogwarts Legacy
League of Legends
Naraka: Bladepoint
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Atom C3958 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Atom C3958 is a 16-core / 16-thread processor based on the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2 GHz from a base frequency of 2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 16 MB of L3 cache, plus 16 MB of L2 cache and 896 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 3,929, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Atom C3958 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 16C / 16T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Goldmont (2016−2017) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 14 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 16 MB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 16 MB |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 896 kB |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 83 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 3,929 |
Memory & Platform
The Atom C3958 fits into the FCBGA1310 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 12 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4: 2400 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 256 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.
| Specification | Atom C3958 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SeriesProduct family | Intel Atom |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | FCBGA1310 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 12 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4: 2400 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 256 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | Yes |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | No |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | Intel FCBGA1310 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Power & Cooling
The Atom C3958 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 31 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Atom C3958 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 31 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 83 °C |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #2024 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Atom C3958 |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $449 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #2024 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 15 August 2017 (8 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | server |
| Series | Intel Atom |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $449 |
| Release Date | 15 August 2017 (8 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Goldmont (2016−2017) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 2024 |
Technical Specifications
12 specs
Technical Specifications
12 specs
| Cores | 16 |
| Threads | 16 |
| L1 Cache | 896 kB |
| L2 Cache | 16 MB |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB |
| Multiplier | 20 |
| Max Frequency | 2 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2 GHz |
| Process Technology | 14 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 83 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | FCBGA1310 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 31 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Memory
5 specs
Memory
5 specs
| RAM Types | DDR4: 2400 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 38.397 GB/s |
| ECC Memory Support | + |
| Max Memory Capacity | 256 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Atom C3958
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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