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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. The Atom C3958 is positioned at rank #902 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Atom C3958

Xeon Platinum 8454H

MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A

23751%

Xeon Gold 6240R

MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A

4484%

#10

Xeon 6337P

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

3984%

#15

EPYC 9174F

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

3078%

#506

Xeon E5-2680 v3

MSRP: $1745|Avg: $212

97%

#507

Xeon Platinum 8562Y+

MSRP: $5945|Avg: $7000

96%

#508

Xeon E7-8895 v2

MSRP: $6841|Avg: $65

96%

#509

EPYC 9754

MSRP: $11900|Avg: $10631

95%

#509

EPYC 9684X

MSRP: $14756|Avg: $14756

95%

#511

Xeon D-1587

MSRP: $1652|Avg: $1443

94%

#512

Xeon E5-2687W v4

MSRP: $2141|Avg: $1138

94%

#513

Xeon W-3265

MSRP: $3684|Avg: $3400

93%

#514

Xeon E5-2658A V3

MSRP: $1832|Avg: $200

93%

#515

Xeon E5-4640 v4

MSRP: $2837|Avg: N/A

91%

#902

Atom C3958

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#906

Xeon E5405

MSRP: $209|Avg: $15

96%

#907

Xeon E5-2440

MSRP: $728|Avg: $249

96%

#916

Xeon E5-2650L

MSRP: $748|Avg: $129

92%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Atom C3958 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

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

It currently holds Rank #902 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2024 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Atom C3958
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$449
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#902
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