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Intel Atom C3538 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£60
  • PassMark benchmark result: 1910
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: N/A GHz

Intel Atom C3538 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.8

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

4.3

Performance

18.0%

5.6

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.9

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.9

Power & Thermal

4.0%

6.6

Platform

1.0%

2.8

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 0.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    1.0

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    0.0

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.0

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 4.9
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    9.0

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.0

    L3 cache

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £60

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Atom C3538 is a 64-bit quad-core server processor from the Denverton family, built on a 14nm lithography with a base and maximum frequency of 2.10 GHz. It features an 8 MB cache, supports up to 256 GB of dual-channel DDR4-2133 ECC memory, and includes 12 PCIe 3.0 lanes along with integrated Intel QuickAssist Technology for hardware acceleration. Its primary advantages are a low 15W TDP, making it highly energy-efficient for 24/7 networking and NAS applications, and high storage scalability with support for up to 12 SATA ports. However, it lacks Intel Turbo Boost and Hyper-Threading, resulting in relatively weak single-thread performance and limited capability for demanding virtualization or heavy multi-tasking workloads.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Atom C3538

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

4.8
Intel Atom C3538 has a technical score of 4.75 points, which is lower than that of 59.4% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Intel Atom C3538 has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.8

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.3
Intel Atom C3538 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.3 points, which is lower than 51% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

server
Intel Atom C3538 belongs to the server processor class, which is more advanced than that of 93.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.1% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

FCBGA1310
Intel Atom C3538 uses the FCBGA1310 CPU socket, which is older than that of 91.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.1% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Atom C3538 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

4
Intel Atom C3538 has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

4
Intel Atom C3538 offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

1
Intel Atom C3538 offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

N/A
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 2.1 GHz
Intel Atom C3538 has a base clock of 4x2.1 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Atom C3538 uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Atom C3538 is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

0 MB
Intel Atom C3538 has an L3 cache of 0 MB which is smaller than that of 93.6% of processors and equal to that of 6.4% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

8 MB
Intel Atom C3538 has an L2 cache of 8 MB which is larger than that of 73.5% of processors and equal to that of 4.3% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

224 KB
Intel Atom C3538 has an L1 cache of 224 KB which is smaller than that of 78% of processors and equal to that of 1% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
Intel Atom C3538 supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,133 MHz
Intel Atom C3538 supports memory speeds up to 2,133 MHz, which is lower than that of 75.6% of processors and equal to 8.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2133 MHz
Intel Atom C3538 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2,133 MHz, which is lower than that of 75.9% of processors and equal to 5.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

256 GB
Intel Atom C3538 supports up to 256 GB of memory, which is more than 89.4% of processors and equal to 8.3% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

no
Intel Atom C3538 does not include integrated graphics. 87.6% include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

N/A
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

N/A
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

N/A
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

15 W
Intel Atom C3538 has a TDP of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.7% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

15 W
Intel Atom C3538 has a base power of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.2% of processors and equal to that of 16.2% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

N/A
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

N/A
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Atom C3538 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
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Intel Atom C3538 vs the average processor

  • 4x more memory capacity
    Intel Atom C3538 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (256 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
    When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    Intel Atom C3538 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (256 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.256 GB vs 64 GB
  • 3.2x larger L2 cache
    Intel Atom C3538 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (8 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Atom C3538 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (8 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.8 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 13 °C lower CPU temperature
    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (87 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
    What it is: The reported operating temperature of the processor.
    When it matters: When you monitor thermals, cooling, or system stability.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <100 °C

    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (87 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.87 °C vs 100 °C
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.15 W vs 45 W
  • Supports ECC memory
    Intel Atom C3538 supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Can work with ECC memory, which helps detect and correct certain memory errors on supported platforms.
    When it matters: When long-term stability, uptime, or data integrity matter more than a basic consumer-style setup.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Atom C3538 supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.15 W vs 45 W
  • Higher-end processor class
    Intel Atom C3538 belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (server vs mobile).
    What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
    When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Atom C3538 belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (server vs mobile).server vs mobile
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Atom C3538 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Denverton vs Kaby Lake).
    What it is: The internal core-design codename used for this processor generation.
    When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs at a deeper design level and want to identify the exact architecture behind marketing names.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Atom C3538 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Denverton vs Kaby Lake).Denverton vs Kaby Lake
  • Higher-end processor class
    Intel Atom C3538 belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (server vs mobile).
  • 3.2x larger L2 cache
    Intel Atom C3538 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (8 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Atom C3538 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Denverton vs Kaby Lake).
  • 4x more memory capacity
    Intel Atom C3538 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (256 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Supports ECC memory
    Intel Atom C3538 supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
  • 13 °C lower CPU temperature
    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (87 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Total
Overall
Platform
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Atom C3538 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Atom C3538 uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1310 vs FP2).
  • 3 year/s older release date
    Intel Atom C3538 has an older release date than the average processor (2017 vs 2020).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Atom C3538 does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 69.9% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (747 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 85.2% lower single-core score
    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (217 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 81.9% lower PassMark score
    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (1,910 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Atom C3538 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Atom C3538 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Atom C3538 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Intel Atom C3538 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • No Turbo Boost
    Intel Atom C3538 does not support Turbo Boost, the average processor does.
  • 7 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (21 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Atom C3538 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 41.7% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (224 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 25.5% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (34.1 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 4 fewer PCIe lanes
    Intel Atom C3538 has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (12 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • 27.3% lower memory speed
    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,133 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    Intel Atom C3538 supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x4 vs x16, x8/x8).
  • No integrated graphics
    Intel Atom C3538 does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Atom C3538 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 69.9% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (747 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (747 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.747 vs 2,483
  • 85.2% lower single-core score
    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (217 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (217 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.217 vs 1,471
  • 81.9% lower PassMark score
    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (1,910 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Atom C3538 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (1,910 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.1,910 vs 10,532.5
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Atom C3538 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Atom C3538 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Atom C3538 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Atom C3538 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Atom C3538 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
    What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
    When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Atom C3538 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Atom C3538 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Atom C3538 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Atom C3538 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 16+

    Intel Atom C3538 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.4 vs 8
Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Atom C3538?

  • Low power consumption (15W TDP) making it ideal for 24/7 NAS and edge networking operations
  • Support for Error Correction Code (ECC) memory, providing higher data integrity for server tasks
  • Significant single-thread performance improvement over its predecessor (Atom C2538)
  • Generous 8MB L2 cache which helps with system-wide responsiveness in small office workloads
  • Reliable alternative to the previous C2000 series which suffered from notorious clock signal degradation issues
  • High maximum memory support of up to 256GB, allowing for some virtualization and heavy container usage

What customers dislike about Intel Atom C3538?

  • Lacks integrated graphics, requiring a separate GPU if used in a non-headless desktop environment
  • Underpowered for intensive tasks like 4K video transcoding or hosting multiple high-demand Virtual Machines
  • Fixed clock speed of 2.1 GHz with no turbo boost capability, limiting peak burst performance
  • Relatively slow multi-threaded scaling compared to modern Core-series or Xeon processors
  • Often soldered to motherboards (BGA), making it impossible to upgrade without replacing the entire board
  • Users reported slow memory performance in specific custom configurations or driver compilations

Expert reviews

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cpubenchmark.net
30/03/2026
Intel Atom C3538 @ 2.10GHz - CPU Benchmarks Would you like a performance comparison between this model and the newer Atom C3000 series chips?

The Intel Atom C3538 is a 4-core, 4-thread, server-class processor tailored for NAS and edge computing with a 2.10 GHz base clock and a low 15W TDP, as listed on PassMark Software. It offers extreme power efficiency (approx. $2.74 yearly cost) and supports ECC memory. While it handles high-bandwidth networking effectively, its performance is limited by the lack of Turbo Boost,...Read more

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healthtechmagazine.net
08/01/2018
Review: The NETGEAR ReadyNAS 428 Keeps Health Data Safe and Sound

The Netgear ReadyNAS 428 is highlighted as a high-capacity, secure storage solution designed for healthcare environments, featuring eight tool-less, hot-swappable drive bays with up to 80TB capacity. The device supports 40 users, offers easy setup with automatic RAID formatting, and includes a lock mechanism for drive security. Key benefits include fast file access powered by an...Read more

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photographylife.com
06/03/2019
Synology DS1618+ Review

The Photography Life review highlights the Synology DS1618+ as a powerful 6-bay NAS tailored for creative professionals, offering high-speed performance, particularly with an upgraded 10GbE network card. Key pros include excellent price-to-performance, 4GB RAM (expandable to 32GB), and extensive expansion options up to 16 drives, all managed via the robust DiskStation Manager...Read more

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itpro.com
04/08/2021
Asustor Lockerstor 8 AS6508T review: A speedy customer

The Asustor Lockerstor 8 (AS6508T) is an 8-bay NAS targeting SMBs, lauded by ITPro for exceptional hardware value and high-speed networking capabilities. It features an Intel Atom C3538 CPU with 8GB RAM and includes dual 10GbE alongside dual 2.5GbE ports, which allow for significant aggregated throughput. The unit demonstrated strong performance with 9.3Gbits/sec read speeds and...Read more

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servethehome.com
20/06/2018
Synology DS1618+ Review A Powerful 6-Bay SMB and ROBO NAS

The ServeTheHome review of the Synology DS1618+ highlights the 6-bay NAS as a robust solution for SMB and ROBO environments, powered by an Intel Atom C3538 "Denverton" processor for improved performance. Key advantages include extensive expandability, such as dual RAM slots for up to 32GB, dual eSATA ports for expansion, and a PCIe 3.0 x8 slot for optional 10GbE or M.2 SSD caching....Read more

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speicherguide.de
07/01/2020
Buffalo TeraStation TS6400DN: NAS Review with Seagate IronWolf HDDs

The Buffalo TeraStation TS6400DN is a 4-bay 10GbE NAS designed for SMEs, featuring an Intel Atom C3538 processor and 8GB ECC memory, delivered as a pre-configured "turnkey" solution with Seagate IronWolf HDDs. It excels in speed and reliability, backed by a 3-year warranty with a 24-hour drive replacement service, featuring an improved, user-friendly management interface. While the...Read more

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idomix.de
17/05/2018
Synology DiskStation DS1618+ Review – iDomiX

The iDomiX review highlights the Synology DS1618+ as a powerful 6-bay NAS suited for professionals and small businesses, featuring an Intel Atom C3538 processor and expandable memory. A major advantage is its PCIe slot, allowing for 10GbE network upgrades or M.2 SSD caching for increased I/O performance. The review praises the user-friendly DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system...Read more

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computerbase.de
17/05/2018
Synology DS1618+ NAS Review: Denverton Atom with ECC Option and M.2 Adapter

The Synology DiskStation DS1618+ is a versatile 6-bay NAS powered by an Intel Atom C3538 CPU, designed for business users requiring high storage scalability and performance. Key features include a PCIe 3.0 slot for 10GbE or M.2 SSD upgrades, Btrfs file system support, and four Gigabit LAN ports for robust data management. While praised for its capacity and flexibility, the unit is...Read more

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cpubenchmark.net
Q2 2018
Intel Atom C3538 @ 2.10GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Atom C3538 @ 2.10GHz is a 4-core, 14nm Denverton processor designed for low-power, fanless networking and storage applications with a 15W TDP, scoring approximately 1,756 on PassMark. Key advantages include support for 256 GB of ECC memory and integrated Intel QuickAssist Technology (QAT) for hardware acceleration of cryptographic workloads. However, the processor suffers...Read more

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techfromthenet.it
22/11/2019
Buffalo TS6400DN: Snapshots and 10GbE iSCSI Management

The Buffalo TeraStation TS6400DN is a high-performance, 10GbE-enabled desktop NAS aimed at SMBs, featuring an Intel Atom C3538 processor, 8GB ECC RAM, and pre-populated drives with RAID. Key strengths include Btrfs snapshot capabilities for ransomware protection, VMware-certified iSCSI, and a "duplex firmware" design for enhanced stability. While offering robust "plug-and-play"...Read more

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techfromthenet.it
29/06/2020
Backup and sync to protect your data, Buffalo TS6000

The Buffalo TeraStation 6000 (TS6000) is a high-performance NAS designed for SMEs, featuring advanced snapshot technology for rapid, ransomware-resistant data recovery and a 10GbE port for high-speed file transfers. It supports robust data integrity with pre-tested hard drives and integrates with cloud services like Azure and Amazon S3 for hybrid backups. While the device excels as...Read more

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edge9.hwupgrade.it
11/05/2020
Buffalo TeraStation TS6400DN: A highly efficient NAS designed for SMEs

The Buffalo TeraStation TS6400DN is a 4-bay desktop NAS designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that prioritizes data reliability, featuring pre-installed Seagate IronWolf drives and a secure "plug-and-play" design. Powered by an Intel Atom C3538 processor and 8GB of ECC memory, it offers robust performance for file sharing and virtualization, particularly with its...Read more

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techzine.nl
08/08/2023
Review: Synology Surveillance Station and DVA1622 offer advanced video analytics

The Synology DVA1622 is a 2-bay Network Video Recorder (NVR) featuring specialized hardware designed for edge-based deep learning analytics, supporting Surveillance Station 9.0 with an integrated HDMI/USB setup for local KVM operation. Key advantages include eight included camera licenses, broad compatibility with over 8,300 camera models, and advanced AI tasks such as facial...Read more

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diskidee.be
20/01/2020
Powerful NAS with Gigabit Ethernet and Thunderbolt 3

The QNAP TVS-872N is a high-performance 8-bay NAS featuring an Intel Core i3-8100T processor, designed to bridge the gap between Gigabit and 10GbE networking. Its standout 5GbE (5GBASE-T) port provides speeds up to five times faster than standard Ethernet over existing cabling, supported by dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots and two PCIe slots for further expansion. Furthermore, the unit...Read more

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