Name: Intel Atom C3955
Brand: Intel

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Atom C3955

Overall score

6.3

Hide

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

6.8

Hide

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

6.0

Hide

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

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

7.1

Hide

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

6.2

Hide

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

Hide

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

6.2

Hide

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 C3955 vs the average processor

Why is Intel Atom C3955 better than the average processor?

Hide

10 more CPU cores
Intel Atom C3955 has more CPU cores than the average processor (16 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 C3955 has more CPU cores than the average processor (16 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.16 vs 6
6.4x larger L2 cache
Intel Atom C3955 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (16 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 C3955 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (16 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.16 MB vs 2.5 MB
4x more memory capacity
Intel Atom C3955 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 C3955 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
8 more CPU threads
Intel Atom C3955 has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 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 C3955 has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.16 vs 8
2.33x larger L1 cache
Intel Atom C3955 has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (896 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
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
Intel Atom C3955 has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (896 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.896 KB vs 384 KB
2x more L2 per core
Intel Atom C3955 has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=1 MB/core
Intel Atom C3955 has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
Supports ECC memory
Intel Atom C3955 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 C3955 supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
2x larger L3 cache
Intel Atom C3955 has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (16 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
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
Intel Atom C3955 has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (16 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.16 MB vs 8 MB
Higher-end processor class
Intel Atom C3955 belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (server vs mobile).
10 more CPU cores
Intel Atom C3955 has more CPU cores than the average processor (16 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
8 more CPU threads
Intel Atom C3955 has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
6.4x larger L2 cache
Intel Atom C3955 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (16 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
2.33x larger L1 cache
Intel Atom C3955 has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (896 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
2x more L2 per core
Intel Atom C3955 has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
2x larger L3 cache
Intel Atom C3955 has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (16 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
More advanced microarchitecture
Intel Atom C3955 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Denverton vs Kaby Lake).
4x more memory capacity
Intel Atom C3955 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 C3955 supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
2x more memory per DIMM
Intel Atom C3955 has more memory per DIMM than the average processor (64 GB vs 32 GB). The average processor supports 32 GB of memory per DIMM.
28.9% lower base power
Intel Atom C3955 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (32 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
28.9% lower TDP
Intel Atom C3955 has a lower TDP than the average processor (32 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Why is Intel Atom C3955 worse than the average processor?

Hide

Narrower instruction support
Intel Atom C3955 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AES, SHA vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
Older CPU socket
Intel Atom C3955 uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1310 vs FP2).
3 year/s older release date
Intel Atom C3955 has an older release date than the average processor (2017 vs 2020).
August 2,017
No crypto acceleration
Intel Atom C3955 does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
74.9% weaker single-core performance
Intel Atom C3955 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (622 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
82.3% lower single-core score
Intel Atom C3955 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (260 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
44.2% lower boost clock
Intel Atom C3955 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (2.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
No multithreading support
Intel Atom C3955 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
1 fewer threads per core
Intel Atom C3955 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
7 lower clock multiplier
Intel Atom C3955 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 C3955 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 C3955 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.
Limited PCIe bifurcation
Intel Atom C3955 supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x4 vs x16, x8/x8).
No integrated graphics
Intel Atom C3955 does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
No configurable TDP
Intel Atom C3955 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
74.9% weaker single-core performance
Intel Atom C3955 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (622 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 C3955 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (622 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.622 vs 2,483
82.3% lower single-core score
Intel Atom C3955 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (260 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 C3955 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (260 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.260 vs 1,471
44.2% lower boost clock
Intel Atom C3955 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (2.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
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
Intel Atom C3955 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (2.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.2.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
No multithreading support
Intel Atom C3955 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 C3955 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
16.7% larger process node
Intel Atom C3955 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 C3955 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
Narrower instruction support
Intel Atom C3955 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AES, SHA 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 C3955 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AES, SHA 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, SHA vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
No configurable TDP
Intel Atom C3955 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 C3955 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
Older CPU socket
Intel Atom C3955 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 C3955 uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1310 vs FP2).FCBGA1310 vs FP2

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Atom C3955?

High core density (16 physical cores) for a low-power 32W TDP envelope.
Excellent for multi-threaded workloads like kernel compiling, ray tracing, and file compression.
Support for modern server features including DDR4 ECC RDIMM and virtualization (VT-d, SR-IOV).
Greatly improved per-core performance (30-60% increase) compared to the previous C2000 'Avoton' generation.
Rich high-speed I/O (HSIO) with up to 20 lanes supporting SATA 3, PCIe 3.0, and 10GbE networking.
Efficient choice for edge computing tasks such as video recording, transcoding, and network firewalls.

What customers dislike about Intel Atom C3955?

High initial cost for the 16-core top-bin SKU, with motherboards often priced around $700–$800.
Weak single-threaded performance compared to larger Core or Xeon series processors.
Lack of high-end compute instructions such as AVX2 and AVX-512, limiting performance in specific vector workloads.
Non-socketed BGA design (soldered to motherboard) eliminates individual CPU upgrade paths.
Increased TDP (32W) compared to lower-core Atom models or previous generations (20W).
Fierce competition from Xeon-D and entry-level Xeon E processors which may offer better value or higher performance at similar price points.

Expert reviews

servethehome.com

16/02/2017

Intel Atom C3955 - 16 Core Denverton Benchmarks Leaked Are you looking for these benchmarks to compare this chip against a specific Xeon D alternative...

The Intel Atom C3955 "Denverton" SoC brings 16-core, 32W TDP efficiency to edge computing and high-density, multi-threaded workloads. It supports modern infrastructure with PCIe 3.0, DDR4-2400 ECC, and integrated 10GbE, offering impressive performance-per-watt. However, it lacks L3 cache and advanced instruction sets, limiting single-core performance compared to Xeon alternatives....Read more

browser.geekbench.com

Various

Intel Atom C3955 Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser ServeTheHome

The Intel Atom C3955 is a 16-core, 16-thread Denverton-family processor launched in 2017 for power-constrained, high-density server, and edge computing environments, featuring a 2.1 GHz base clock and 32W TDP. Pros include strong multi-threaded performance, support for up to 256GB of ECC DDR4 memory, and rich integrated I/O, including 20 high-speed lanes and 4x10GbE networking,...Read more

08/09/2017

Supermicro A2SDi-16C-HLN4F 16-core Intel Atom C3955 mITX Motherboard Review

The Supermicro A2SDi-16C-HLN4F is a compute-focused Mini-ITX motherboard featuring a 16-core Intel Atom C3955 processor, designed for space-constrained edge applications like video transcoding or virtualization. It supports high storage density with 12 SATA III ports, up to 256GB of Registered ECC DDR4-2400MHz RAM, and includes dedicated server management via ASPEED AST2500 IPMI....Read more

16/08/2017

Supermicro A2SDi-H-TP4F Review 16 Core SoC With Power Consumption

The Supermicro A2SDi-H-TP4F is a Mini-ITX motherboard featuring the 16-core Intel Atom C3955 (Denverton) SoC, offering significant performance gains over previous generations for networking and storage appliances. Key advantages include extensive I/O with quad 10GbE networking (2x 10Gbase-T, 2x SFP+) and 12x SATA III ports, alongside support for 256GB of DDR4 ECC RDIMM. While...Read more

15/08/2017

Intel Atom C3955 16-Core Top End Linux Benchmarks and Review

The Intel Atom C3955 review by ServeTheHome highlights this 16-core Denverton processor as a top-tier SKU designed for high-density, low-power edge and networking applications. Operating at a 32W TDP with 20 high-speed PCIe 3.0 lanes, the platform excels in multi-threaded Linux tasks like 7-zip and compilation, supporting up to 256GB of ECC DDR4 memory. While offering strong I/O...Read more

Intel Atom C3955 Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser

The Intel Atom C3955 is a 16-core "Denverton" embedded server processor tailored for networking and storage, offering high core density with a low 32W TDP. Key pros include 20 PCIe 3.0 lanes, integrated 4x10GbE LAN, and ECC memory support for robust I/O and reliability. Conversely, notable cons include weak single-core performance with a 2.4 GHz turbo, lack of AVX2/AVX-512...Read more

Intel Atom C3955 Review | 78 Data compared

Best prices in UK

Best prices in US

Best rankings

Verdict

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Atom C3955

Intel Atom C3955 vs the average processor

Why is Intel Atom C3955 better than the average processor?

Why is Intel Atom C3955 worse than the average processor?

Graphic comparison of Intel Atom C3955 and other processors

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Atom C3955?

What customers dislike about Intel Atom C3955?

Expert reviews

Best alternatives

Compare Intel Atom C3955 with other processors