Name: Intel Atom C3958
Brand: Intel

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Atom C3958

Overall score

5.0

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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

7.1

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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

4.5

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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

5.8

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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

6.1

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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

4.9

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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

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

Intel Atom C3958 vs the average processor

Why is Intel Atom C3958 better than the average processor?

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10 more CPU cores
Intel Atom C3958 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 C3958 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 C3958 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 C3958 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 C3958 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 C3958 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
49.6% higher single-core score
Intel Atom C3958 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,201 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 C3958 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,201 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.2,201 vs 1,471
8 more CPU threads
Intel Atom C3958 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 C3958 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 C3958 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 C3958 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
Supports ECC memory
Intel Atom C3958 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 C3958 supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
31.1% lower base power
Intel Atom C3958 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (31 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 C3958 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (31 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.31 W vs 45 W
Includes crypto acceleration
Intel Atom C3958 includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
Higher-end processor class
Intel Atom C3958 belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (server vs mobile).
10 more CPU cores
Intel Atom C3958 has more CPU cores than the average processor (16 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
49.6% higher single-core score
Intel Atom C3958 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,201 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
8 more CPU threads
Intel Atom C3958 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 C3958 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 C3958 has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (896 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
More advanced microarchitecture
Intel Atom C3958 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Denverton vs Kaby Lake).
4x more memory capacity
Intel Atom C3958 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 C3958 supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
2x more memory per DIMM
Intel Atom C3958 has more memory per DIMM than the average processor (64 GB vs 32 GB). The average processor supports 32 GB of memory per DIMM.
31.1% lower base power
Intel Atom C3958 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (31 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
31.1% lower TDP
Intel Atom C3958 has a lower TDP than the average processor (31 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Why is Intel Atom C3958 worse than the average processor?

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Narrower instruction support
Intel Atom C3958 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AES, SHA, RDRAND vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
Older CPU socket
Intel Atom C3958 uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1310 vs FP2).
3 year/s older release date
Intel Atom C3958 has an older release date than the average processor (2017 vs 2020).
August 2,017
70.3% weaker single-core performance
Intel Atom C3958 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (737 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
62.7% lower PassMark score
Intel Atom C3958 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (3,929 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
No multithreading support
Intel Atom C3958 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
54.1% lower multi-core score
Intel Atom C3958 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,201 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
1 fewer threads per core
Intel Atom C3958 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 C3958 does not support Turbo Boost, the average processor does.
8 lower clock multiplier
Intel Atom C3958 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 C3958 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 C3958 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 C3958 supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x4 vs x16, x8/x8).
No integrated graphics
Intel Atom C3958 does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
No configurable TDP
Intel Atom C3958 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
70.3% weaker single-core performance
Intel Atom C3958 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (737 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 C3958 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (737 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.737 vs 2,483
62.7% lower PassMark score
Intel Atom C3958 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (3,929 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 C3958 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (3,929 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.3,929 vs 10,532.5
No multithreading support
Intel Atom C3958 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 C3958 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
54.1% lower multi-core score
Intel Atom C3958 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,201 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >8500
Intel Atom C3958 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,201 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.2,201 vs 4,793
16.7% larger process node
Intel Atom C3958 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 C3958 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 C3958 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 C3958 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
Narrower instruction support
Intel Atom C3958 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AES, SHA, RDRAND 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 C3958 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AES, SHA, RDRAND 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, RDRAND vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
Older CPU socket
Intel Atom C3958 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 C3958 uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1310 vs FP2).FCBGA1310 vs FP2

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Atom C3958?

High core count (16 cores/16 threads) providing excellent multi-threaded performance for its class
Low power consumption (31W TDP) suitable for 24/7 server and networking operations
Support for Intel QuickAssist Technology (QAT) which significantly accelerates encryption and compression tasks
Extensive I/O capabilities, including support for up to 4x10GbE and 20 high-speed I/O lanes
High memory capacity support for an Atom chip, up to 256GB DDR4 with ECC (Error-Correcting Code) support
Small SoC (System on Chip) footprint reduces motherboard complexity and overall system size

What customers dislike about Intel Atom C3958?

Lack of Turbo Boost technology, limiting the processor to a fixed maximum clock speed of 2.0GHz
Weak single-threaded performance compared to desktop-class processors like the Intel Core series
High platform cost for an 'Atom' branded chip, often requiring expensive dedicated server motherboards
Not suitable for gaming or heavy desktop productivity due to the 'Goldmont' microarchitecture limitations
No integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU or specialized server motherboard with BMC/VGA for video output
Higher pricing compared to other C3000 series chips, which can make lower core-count models a better value for some users

Expert reviews

browser.geekbench.com

Ongoing

Intel Atom C3958 Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser ServeTheHome

The Intel Atom C3958 is a 16-core "Denverton" embedded processor designed for efficient, low-power (31W TDP) networking and storage applications, featuring integrated QuickAssist Technology (QAT) for cryptographic acceleration. While it delivers strong multi-threaded performance suitable for virtualization and supports up to 256GB ECC DDR4 memory, it lacks Turbo Boost, limiting its...Read more

servethehome.com

18/10/2017

Testing the Gigabyte MA10-ST0 with pfSense 2.4-Release and FreeNAS 11.0-U4

The Gigabyte MA10-ST0 is a Mini-ITX motherboard featuring an integrated 16-core Intel Atom C3958 (Denverton) processor, designed as a high-density, low-power platform with 16 SATA lanes and dual 10GbE SFP+ ports. Testing with pfSense 2.4 showed excellent 10Gbps routing capabilities, while FreeNAS 11 performance benefited from the high core count and IPMI 2.0 management, though the...Read more

03/04/2018

Gigabyte MA10-ST0 Review A Unique 16C Atom C3958 Storage Platform

The Gigabyte MA10-ST0 is a specialized Mini-ITX motherboard featuring an Intel Atom C3958 16-core SoC, designed specifically for high-density storage applications with a 31W TDP. It offers significant storage capabilities, including 16 SATA III ports via Mini-SAS connectors and onboard 32GB eMMC flash for OS booting, along with dual 10GbE SFP+ networking. While providing excellent...Read more

02/11/2017

Tyan S32272NR-C958 Review lowest power 16 core Atom platform

The Tyan S32272NR-C958 is a low-power, Mini-ITX server platform designed for edge computing and firewall applications, featuring a 16-core Intel Atom C958 (Parker Ridge) processor with a 16W TDP. It boasts high-density networking, including dual 25GbE SFP28 and dual 10Gbase-T ports, and supports up to 128GB of DDR4 ECC memory. Key pros of this platform include exceptional...Read more

22/09/2017

Intel Atom C3958 16-Core Top End Embedded QAT Linux Benchmarks and Review

The Intel Atom C3958 is a 16-core "Denverton" SoC designed as a high-end, 31W TDP solution for networking and storage, featuring integrated Intel QuickAssist Technology (QAT) for accelerated cryptographic tasks. It offers significant performance gains in Linux benchmarks and supports up to 256GB of DDR4-2400 memory, with extensive I/O capabilities including four 10GbE MACs and...Read more

Gigabyte MA10-ST0 Review A Unique 16C Atom C3958 representative

The Gigabyte MA10-ST0 is a specialized Mini-ITX platform powered by a 16-core Intel Atom C3958 designed for low-power, high-density storage and networking, featuring up to 16 SATA III ports, 10GbE networking, and 32GB of onboard eMMC storage for OS installation. Key advantages include Intel QuickAssist Technology (QAT) for encryption acceleration and remarkable energy efficiency,...Read more

cpu-monkey.com

24/07/2025

Intel Atom C3958 Benchmarks & Technical Specifications

The Intel Atom C3958 is a 16-core processor based on the 14nm Denverton architecture, optimized for microservers and high-density network applications. It operates at a fixed 2.00 GHz base frequency without turbo boost, prioritizing high-efficiency parallel processing over raw single-core speed, supported by a significant 16 MB L2 cache. The platform offers robust professional...Read more

Intel Atom C3958 Review | 78 Data compared

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Verdict

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Atom C3958

Intel Atom C3958 vs the average processor

Why is Intel Atom C3958 better than the average processor?

Why is Intel Atom C3958 worse than the average processor?

Graphic comparison of Intel Atom C3958 and other processors

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Atom C3958?

What customers dislike about Intel Atom C3958?

Expert reviews

Best alternatives

Compare Intel Atom C3958 with other processors