Name: Intel Atom C3858
Brand: Intel

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Atom C3858

Overall score

5.6

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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.

Platform

6.9

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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

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

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

Performance

4.9

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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+

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+

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

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

Cache & Architecture

7.4

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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

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

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

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

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

Memory & PCIe

5.4

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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

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

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

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

Integrated Graphics

3.4

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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

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

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

Power & Thermal

6.5

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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

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

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

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

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

Intel Atom C3858 vs the average processor

Why is Intel Atom C3858 better than the average processor?

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4.8x larger L2 cache
Intel Atom C3858 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (12 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 C3858 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.12 MB vs 2.5 MB
6 more CPU cores
Intel Atom C3858 has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 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 C3858 has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.12 vs 6
4x more memory capacity
Intel Atom C3858 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 C3858 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
46.5% smaller die size
Intel Atom C3858 has a lower die size than the average processor (95.2 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <150 mm²
Intel Atom C3858 has a lower die size than the average processor (95.2 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².95.2 mm² vs 178 mm²
60.9% lower boost power
Intel Atom C3858 has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (25 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
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
Intel Atom C3858 has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (25 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.25 W vs 64 W
44.4% lower base power
Intel Atom C3858 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (25 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 C3858 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (25 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.25 W vs 45 W
Supports ECC memory
Intel Atom C3858 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 C3858 supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
4 more CPU threads
Intel Atom C3858 has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 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 C3858 has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.12 vs 8
Higher-end processor class
Intel Atom C3858 belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (server vs mobile).
Includes crypto acceleration
Intel Atom C3858 includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
6 more CPU cores
Intel Atom C3858 has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
4 more CPU threads
Intel Atom C3858 has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
4.8x larger L2 cache
Intel Atom C3858 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
46.5% smaller die size
Intel Atom C3858 has a lower die size than the average processor (95.2 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
75% larger L1 cache
Intel Atom C3858 has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (672 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
More advanced microarchitecture
Intel Atom C3858 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Denverton vs Kaby Lake).
4x more memory capacity
Intel Atom C3858 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 C3858 supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
60.9% lower boost power
Intel Atom C3858 has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (25 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
44.4% lower base power
Intel Atom C3858 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (25 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
44.4% lower TDP
Intel Atom C3858 has a lower TDP than the average processor (25 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Why is Intel Atom C3858 worse than the average processor?

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Narrower instruction support
Intel Atom C3858 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
Older CPU socket
Intel Atom C3858 uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1310 vs FP2).
3 year/s older release date
Intel Atom C3858 has an older release date than the average processor (2017 vs 2020).
August 2,017
71.7% weaker single-core performance
Intel Atom C3858 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (702 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
80.7% lower single-core score
Intel Atom C3858 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (284 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
No multithreading support
Intel Atom C3858 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
52.1% lower PassMark score
Intel Atom C3858 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,040 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
1 fewer threads per core
Intel Atom C3858 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
8 lower clock multiplier
Intel Atom C3858 has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (20 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
16.7% larger process node
Intel Atom C3858 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
18.2% lower memory speed
Intel Atom C3858 has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
16.2% lower memory bandwidth
Intel Atom C3858 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (38.4 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
Limited PCIe bifurcation
Intel Atom C3858 supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x4 vs x16, x8/x8).
No integrated graphics
Intel Atom C3858 does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
No configurable TDP
Intel Atom C3858 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
71.7% weaker single-core performance
Intel Atom C3858 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (702 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 C3858 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (702 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.702 vs 2,483
80.7% lower single-core score
Intel Atom C3858 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (284 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 C3858 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (284 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.284 vs 1,471
No multithreading support
Intel Atom C3858 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 C3858 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
52.1% lower PassMark score
Intel Atom C3858 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,040 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 C3858 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,040 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.5,040 vs 10,532.5
Narrower instruction support
Intel Atom C3858 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, 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 C3858 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
16.7% larger process node
Intel Atom C3858 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 C3858 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
No configurable TDP
Intel Atom C3858 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
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
Intel Atom C3858 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
Older CPU socket
Intel Atom C3858 uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1310 vs FP2).
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
Intel Atom C3858 uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1310 vs FP2).FCBGA1310 vs FP2

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Atom C3858?

High core count (12 cores) within a very low 25W power envelope
Excellent networking capabilities with quad 10GbE MAC support
Supports high memory capacity (up to 256GB RDIMM) and ECC memory
Includes QuickAssist Technology (QAT) for hardware acceleration up to 20Gbps
Flexible High-Speed I/O (HSIO) lanes that can be configured for PCIe or SATA
SoC design reduces overall system complexity, size, and cost by eliminating the need for a separate PCH

What customers dislike about Intel Atom C3858?

Relatively low per-core/single-threaded performance compared to larger architectures
Lacks support for certain instruction sets like BMI2, which can limit performance in specific workloads
No integrated GPU (iGPU), requiring separate graphics if needed for display
High platform entry cost; motherboard and SoC combos are often priced for enterprise/edge rather than consumer use
May struggle to fully saturate all four 10GbE ports under heavy computation due to CPU limits
Requires external PHYs for most networking applications despite having the integrated MAC

Expert reviews

openbenchmarking.org

Q4 2017

Intel Atom C3858 Benchmarks, Linux Performance

The Intel Atom C3858 is a 12-core, 12-thread Goldmont SoC optimized for low-power, high-density server environments with a 25W TDP. Key features include Intel QuickAssist Technology (QAT) for encryption acceleration and support for 256GB of DDR4-2400 memory. Advantages include robust I/O flexibility with 20 configurable HSIO lanes and integrated quad 10GbE networking, which...Read more

servethehome.com

03/06/2020

Intel Atom C3858 Benchmarks and Review 12 Cores at 25W

The Intel Atom C3858 (Denverton) is a 12-core, 12-thread SoC designed for embedded, networking, and storage applications, operating at 2.0GHz with a 25W TDP. It supports up to 256GB of DDR4-2400 memory and features integrated Intel QuickAssist Technology (QAT) for up to 20Gbps of crypto/compression, along with 20 HSIO lanes and native 10GbE MACs. Key advantages highlighted in the...Read more

cpubenchmark.net

30/03/2026

Intel Atom C3858 @ 2.00GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Atom C3858 is a 12-core, 12-thread "Denverton" server processor designed for high-density networking and storage applications. It features a fixed 2.00 GHz frequency, supports up to 256 GB of DDR4-2400 ECC memory, and includes Intel QuickAssist Technology (QAT) for cryptographic acceleration. Key advantages include exceptional power efficiency, maintaining 12 cores within...Read more

Intel Atom C3858 Benchmarks and Review: 12 Cores at 25W

The Intel Atom C3858 "Denverton" SoC, reviewed by ServeTheHome, offers 12 cores with an efficient 25W TDP, providing high-density computing for networking and storage, though it requires an external PHY for its 10GbE capability. A significant advantage is the inclusion of integrated QuickAssist Technology (QAT) with double the bandwidth of lower-tier models, supporting up to 256GB...Read more

Intel Atom C3858 Review | 78 Data compared

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Verdict

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Atom C3858

Intel Atom C3858 vs the average processor

Why is Intel Atom C3858 better than the average processor?

Why is Intel Atom C3858 worse than the average processor?

Graphic comparison of Intel Atom C3858 and other processors

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Atom C3858?

What customers dislike about Intel Atom C3858?

Expert reviews

Best alternatives

Compare Intel Atom C3858 with other processors