Atom x5-E3940
CPU·Budget

Atom x5-E3940

Intel

PassMark

1,816

30 August 2014 (11 years ago)
10 Watt
Apollo Lake (2014−2016)

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 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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Atom x5-E3940 is positioned at rank #337 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 x5-E3940

#101
Core i5-1350P
MSRP: $320|Avg: $250
97%
#325
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
485%
#326
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
478%
#327
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
438%
#328
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
436%
#329
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
432%
#331
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
418%
#332
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
400%
#333
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
400%
#334
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
389%
#337
Atom x5-E3940
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Atom x5-E3940 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Atom x5-E3940 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.8 GHz from a base frequency of 1.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 2 MB (total) of L2 cache and 56K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,816, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationAtom x5-E3940
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost1.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency1.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designApollo Lake (2014−2016)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data2 MB (total)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache56K (per core)
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,816
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Atom x5-E3940 fits into the FCBGA1296 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 6 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3-1866 memory at speeds up to DDR3L-1866 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 8 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 500 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationAtom x5-E3940
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct family5x Intel Atom
SocketMotherboard socket requiredFCBGA1296
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion6
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3-1866
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR3L-1866
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory8 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionYes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorIntel HD Graphics 500
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUIntel FCBGA1296
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1 (Uniprocessor)
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Atom x5-E3940 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 10 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationAtom x5-E3940
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload10 Watt
💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #337 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2666 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationAtom x5-E3940
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$69
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#337
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2666
Release DateLaunch date30 August 2014 (11 years ago)
Release Year2014
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Atom x5-E3940

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Compare Atom x5-E3940

See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives

Compare with other CPUs