Intel Atom C5310

Intel Atom C5310 is a 4-core, 4-thread server processor built on Intel's 10 nm process under the Parker Ridge codename, targeting the Atom (Tremont) generation. With a 1.60 GHz base clock, a 32 W TDP, and support for DDR4 ECC memory, this chip is positioned at the entry level of Intel's server lineup, offering a blend of low power consumption and essential server features.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark data for the Intel Atom C5310 presents a unique profile, as it carries an average benchmark score of 0 and sits at the 50th percentile among all CPUs tracked in our database. This placement in the middle of the performance distribution is notable for a processor with only 4 cores and 4 threads, indicating that while it does not compete in high-end compute tasks, it is not at the very bottom of the performance stack either.

The absence of any entries in the benchmarks array and the zero value for avgBenchmarkScore suggest that this processor's performance metrics are either yet to be populated in our database or that its real-world performance is measured in a way that does not conform to standard benchmark suites. The 50th percentile ranking, however, does provide a positional anchor: half of all CPUs in our database score higher, and half score lower. For a 4-thread part with no boost clock, this mid-pack positioning is likely driven by its extremely low power envelope rather than raw compute throughput.

Because the nearestRivals field is empty, we cannot provide exact percentage deltas against specific competing processors. The data available indicates that this chip should be assessed on its own terms: with 4 cores, 4 threads, and a 1.60 GHz base clock, it will produce scores that are consistent with a low-end, power-efficient server part. The 50th percentile ranking is the only comparative metric we have, and it suggests that the C5310's performance, while modest, is not negligible when weighed against the entire spectrum of CPUs.

The lack of a boost clock is a significant factor in its benchmark profile. Without the ability to increase clock speed under load, the C5310 operates at a fixed frequency, which caps its peak performance in any single-threaded or multi-threaded workload. This is a deliberate design choice for a low-power part, but it means that in benchmark comparisons, the C5310 will lag behind any processor that can dynamically raise its clock speed.

Power and Thermals

The Intel Atom C5310 carries a TDP of 32 watts, which places it in a very low power class for server processors. This figure is the key thermal design constraint and dictates the entire cooling and power delivery strategy for systems using this chip. A 32 W TDP means that a simple passive heatsink or a small, low-speed fan is sufficient for cooling, and the processor can be deployed in compact, fanless enclosures or in dense chassis where heat dissipation is a challenge.

This power envelope is a core differentiator for the C5310. In server environments where energy efficiency is paramount, a 32 W processor allows for higher core counts per rack unit and reduced electricity costs over the system's lifetime. The thermal output is correspondingly low, which simplifies system design: no elaborate liquid cooling or high-CFM fans are required, and the surrounding components, such as VRMs and memory, can be placed closer together without thermal throttling concerns.

The 32 W TDP is not just a static number but a promise about the processor's behavior under sustained load. At 1.60 GHz across all 4 cores, the C5310 will draw close to its TDP limit, but the absence of a boost clock means there are no transient power spikes that would require additional thermal headroom. This makes the C5310 a predictable thermal citizen, and system integrators can size their power supplies and cooling solutions with a high degree of confidence.

For cooling tier implications, a 32 W processor falls into the category where a low-profile active cooler or even a well-ventilated passive heatsink is adequate. This is in contrast to higher-TDP server parts that require bulky heatsinks and high-pressure fans. The practical result is that the C5310 can be used in 1U servers, edge gateways, and network appliances where space is at a premium and where the cooling solution must not obstruct airflow to other components.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Intel Atom C5310 has 4 cores and 4 threads, meaning it does not support simultaneous multithreading (SMT). Each core handles exactly one thread, and with no boost clock, all cores run at the fixed 1.60 GHz base frequency. This creates a predictable performance profile: single-threaded performance is determined solely by the 1.60 GHz clock and the Tremont microarchitecture's IPC (instructions per clock) efficiency, while multi-threaded performance scales linearly with the number of cores, up to 4 threads.

In single-threaded workloads, the C5310 will deliver modest performance. The 1.60 GHz clock is low compared to mainstream desktop processors, but the Tremont core is designed for efficiency rather than raw speed. Tasks such as light web serving, simple scripting, or control-plane operations in a network switch will see acceptable response times, but any workload that requires significant per-thread compute will quickly become the bottleneck. The lack of a boost clock means there is no headroom for short bursts of higher performance, so latency-sensitive applications must be provisioned with this fixed ceiling in mind.

Multi-threaded behavior is where the C5310's design becomes more interesting. With 4 physical cores and 4 threads, the processor can handle 4 concurrent workloads without any context-switching overhead between threads on the same core. This is a clean scaling model: a workload that is perfectly parallel will see near-linear speedup from 1 to 4 threads. However, the absolute performance per thread is low, so the total multi-threaded throughput is still modest. For example, a 4-thread batch job that is CPU-bound will complete in roughly four times the time it would take on a single core running at the same clock, but that single-core time is already long due to the 1.60 GHz clock.

The 4.5 MB L2 cache per module is a critical factor in both single- and multi-threaded performance. This cache size is generous for a low-power part and helps mitigate the low clock speed by reducing memory latency. In multi-threaded workloads where data is shared between cores, the per-module cache allocation can help keep frequently accessed data close to the cores, reducing the need to go to main memory. The overall behavior is that the C5310 excels at workloads with light to moderate per-thread compute demands and benefits from having multiple independent threads to keep all 4 cores busy.

How It Compares

The nearestRivals data for the Intel Atom C5310 is empty, which means we cannot provide direct comparisons with specific competitor models using the benchmark deltas that are typically available. In the absence of rival scores, the only comparative anchor is the 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs. This indicates that the C5310 is squarely in the middle of the performance distribution, but this is a broad statement that does not illuminate specific head-to-head matchups.

What the data does allow us to say is that the C5310's performance class is defined by its 4 cores, 4 threads, and 1.60 GHz base clock. Any rival processor with higher core counts, higher clocks, or boost capabilities will outperform it in raw compute. The C5310's counterargument is its 32 W TDP, which is significantly lower than most server parts, and its support for ECC memory, which is a requirement for many reliability-focused deployments.

Given the lack of rival data, we must treat the C5310 as a unique entry in the low-power server segment. Its 50th percentile ranking suggests that it is not an outlier on the low end, but rather a processor that, while not powerful, offers a balanced profile of efficiency and capability. The absence of benchmark scores in our database further complicates direct comparison, as we have no measurable performance numbers to pit against other CPUs.

The 4.5 MB L2 cache per module is a notable feature that may give the C5310 an edge over similarly clocked parts with smaller caches. In memory-bound workloads, this cache hierarchy can reduce the performance penalty of the low clock speed. However, without specific rival data, we cannot quantify this advantage or state definitively how it translates into benchmark deltas.

Who Should Consider It

The Intel Atom C5310 is best suited for workloads that prioritize power efficiency and reliability over raw compute performance. Its 32 W TDP and 4 cores make it an ideal candidate for network appliances, such as routers, firewalls, and load balancers, where the processing demands are light but the need for always-on operation is critical. The fixed 1.60 GHz clock and 4 threads are sufficient for handling packet forwarding, basic routing protocols, and management plane tasks without excessive power draw.

For server applications, the C5310 is appropriate for lightweight web servers, simple file servers, or dedicated monitoring systems. The support for ECC memory is a strong selling point in these scenarios, as it provides protection against data corruption in memory, which is essential for long-running, unattended servers. The dual-channel DDR4 memory with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth is adequate for these workloads, as they are typically not memory-bandwidth intensive.

Office and productivity workloads are not the primary target for this processor, but it could handle basic terminal services or remote desktop sessions for a small number of users. The 4 threads limit concurrent users, and the lack of a boost clock means that even a single user's experience will be modest if they run demanding applications. For general-purpose office computing, the C5310 would be underpowered, but for specific, constrained server roles, it is a viable choice.

Gaming is not a consideration for this processor, as it has no integrated graphics (N/A) and is not designed for client-side rendering. Its market segment is explicitly Server/Workstation, and the absence of any graphics capability reinforces that this is a compute-only part for headless systems. The PCIe Gen 3 with 8 lanes (CPU only) is sufficient for a single network interface card or a storage controller, but not for expansion-heavy configurations.

FAQ

Q: What is the clock speed of the Intel Atom C5310?

A: The base clock is 1.60 GHz, and there is no boost clock available.

Q: Does the Intel Atom C5310 support ECC memory?

A: Yes, it supports ECC memory, which is a key feature for server reliability.

Q: How many cores and threads does the Intel Atom C5310 have?

A: It has 4 cores and 4 threads, with no simultaneous multithreading.

Q: What is the TDP of the Intel Atom C5310?

A: The TDP is 32 watts, placing it in a low-power class suitable for passive cooling.

Q: What socket does the Intel Atom C5310 use?

A: It uses the Intel BGA 2106 socket, which is a ball-grid array package.

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the Intel Atom C5310?

A: The launch MSRP is $239.

Platform and Compatibility

The Intel Atom C5310 is built for the Intel BGA 2106 socket, which is a ball-grid array package that is soldered directly to the motherboard. This means the processor is not upgradeable or replaceable in the field; the motherboard and CPU are a single unit. The socket choice is typical for low-power server and embedded parts, where the entire platform is designed for a specific purpose and longevity over modularity.

Memory support is limited to DDR4, operating in a dual-channel configuration with a total bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The processor supports ECC memory, which is a critical feature for servers that require error correction to maintain data integrity. The memory controller is integrated, and the dual-channel design means that two memory modules should be populated to achieve full bandwidth, though the absolute bandwidth is modest by modern standards.

For expansion, the C5310 provides PCIe Gen 3 with 8 lanes available from the CPU. This is a limited number of lanes, suitable for a single high-bandwidth device such as a 10 GbE network card or an NVMe storage adapter. The Gen 3 specification offers adequate speed for these peripherals, but the lane count restricts the number of expansion cards that can be installed. Integrated graphics are not available (N/A), so a discrete GPU or a dedicated management controller is required for video output, which is typical for server platforms.

The upgrade path for the C5310 is essentially non-existent due to the BGA socket. Once the platform is deployed, the processor cannot be swapped for a higher-performing model. This is a trade-off: the platform is cost-effective and power-efficient at deployment, but it lacks the flexibility of socketed processors. The 8 PCIe lanes do allow for some expansion, but the overall platform is designed for fixed-function appliances rather than general-purpose servers that need frequent hardware refreshes.

Architecture and Design

The Intel Atom C5310 is based on the Parker Ridge codename, which is part of the Atom (Tremont) generation. The Tremont microarchitecture is Intel's low-power core design, optimized for high efficiency in compact, thermally constrained environments. The processor is manufactured on Intel's 10 nm process node, which is a modern process that balances transistor density with power efficiency.

The core layout consists of 4 cores, each with a dedicated 64 KB L1 cache. The L2 cache is organized as 4.5 MB per module, which, in the Tremont design, groups cores into modules that share a common L2 cache slice. This cache hierarchy is designed to provide low-latency access to frequently used data while keeping the overall die size and power consumption low. The lack of an L3 cache is notable; the Tremont architecture relies on the relatively large L2 cache to satisfy data demands, which reduces the need for a shared last-level cache.

The processor is fabricated by Intel, and the foundry is Intel as well, meaning it is an in-house design and production. The absence of transistors and die size data in our records does not allow for a quantitative analysis of the die, but the 10 nm process and the low core count suggest a small die area that contributes to the 32 W TDP. The integrated memory controller supports dual-channel DDR4, and the PCIe controller is limited to Gen 3 with 8 lanes, reflecting the processor's focus on efficient I/O rather than high-throughput expansion.

The production status is Active, and the release date is June 5, 2022. The part number is SRL3Z, and the multiplier is locked, meaning the clock speed cannot be overclocked. The market segment is explicitly Server/Workstation, and the design priorities are clear: a fixed, low clock speed, a small number of threads, and a minimal power envelope, all in service of predictable, always-on operation in network and storage applications.