Intel Atom x5-E3930

The Intel Atom x5-E3930 is a dual-core mobile processor built on the 14 nm Goldmont architecture, part of the Apollo Lake family. It operates with a base clock of 1300.00 MHz and a boost clock of 1800.00 MHz, consuming a thermal design power of 7 watts. This analysis draws exclusively on the provided data to assess its performance profile, positioning, and suitability for specific workloads.

Benchmark Performance

The FACT PACK lists no benchmark scores for the Intel Atom x5-E3930, and its average benchmark score is recorded as 0. The percentile versus all CPUs stands at 50, meaning the processor sits at the median of the distribution when compared against the full range of CPUs in the database. This percentile is a relative measure, indicating that half of all tracked processors score at or below this level, while half score above.

Without direct benchmark results, the performance characterization must rely on the architectural and specification data. The processor has 2 cores and 2 threads, with a base clock of 1300.00 MHz and a boost clock of 1800.00 MHz. The absence of multi-threading (2 threads for 2 cores) means each core handles one thread simultaneously, which limits parallel workload throughput compared to processors with simultaneous multi-threading.

The cache hierarchy includes 56 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of shared L2 cache. The L1 cache per core is modest, and the shared L2 cache of 2 MB is the total available to both cores. The integrated graphics are HD Graphics 500, which is a basic iGPU solution. The memory support is DDR3 with a dual-channel bus, offering a memory bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s. The PCIe interface is Gen 2 with 4 lanes available from the CPU only.

Given the 50th percentile ranking, the data suggests this processor is neither a low-end outlier nor a high-performance part. It is positioned in the middle of the benchmark distribution, which, combined with the low 7-watt TDP, indicates a design optimized for power efficiency rather than raw compute capability. The boost clock of 1800.00 MHz provides a 500.00 MHz uplift over the base clock, but with only two cores, the overall compute throughput is inherently limited.

How It Compares

The nearestRivals field in the FACT PACK is empty, meaning there are no direct competitor comparisons with scores or deltaPct values provided. Consequently, this analysis cannot cite specific rival names, scores, or percentage deltas. The lack of rival data means the processor's standing can only be interpreted through its own specifications and the global percentile.

In the absence of rival data, the percentile of 50 serves as the primary comparative anchor. This indicates that the Intel Atom x5-E3930 is exactly at the midpoint of all CPUs in the database, which is a neutral position. For a dual-core, 7-watt mobile processor, this percentile suggests that while it is not a performance leader, it is also not a laggard when considering the entire spectrum of processors, which includes many low-power embedded and mobile parts.

The architecture (Goldmont) and codename (Apollo Lake) place it in a specific generation of Intel's low-power Atom line. The socket is Intel BGA 1296, which is a ball-grid array design, typically soldered onto motherboards rather than socketed for user upgrades. This physical constraint limits its comparative flexibility against socketed desktop processors, but within the mobile segment, such designs are common.

The process node is 14 nm, which was a mainstream manufacturing technology for its release period. The foundry is Intel, and the production status is Active, meaning it is still being manufactured. The release date is recorded as 2014-08-29, which provides a temporal context for its technology generation, though no specific rival comparisons are available from the data.

Who Should Consider It

Based on the specifications, the Intel Atom x5-E3930 is suited for workloads that are lightly threaded and power-sensitive. The 2-core, 2-thread configuration with a boost clock of 1800.00 MHz is adequate for basic office tasks such as word processing, spreadsheet management, and web browsing, where single-thread performance is more critical than multi-core throughput.

For gaming, the integrated HD Graphics 500 and the low TDP of 7 watts suggest this processor is not intended for modern 3D gaming. The lack of dedicated graphics and the modest CPU clock speeds mean that gaming performance would be limited to very old or 2D titles, and even then, the 2 MB shared L2 cache and dual-channel DDR3 memory bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s may become bottlenecks.

For content creation, the processor's dual-core design is a significant limitation. Video editing, 3D rendering, and photo processing typically benefit from higher core counts and faster multi-threaded execution. The 2 threads and 1800.00 MHz boost clock would result in long render times, making this processor unsuitable for professional creation workloads.

The data indicates this processor is best suited for embedded applications, thin clients, or basic mobile devices where power consumption (7 watts TDP) is paramount. The 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs suggests it is a competent performer for its class, but not a competitive option for demanding tasks. Users with workloads that can be handled by a single or dual threads, such as lightweight coding, text-based interfaces, or simple automation, might find it adequate.

FAQ

Q: What is the processor's core and thread count?

A: It has 2 cores and 2 threads.

Q: What is the base and boost clock speed?

A: The base clock is 1300.00 MHz, and the boost clock is 1800.00 MHz.

Q: Does it support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth?

A: The memory bandwidth is 29.9 GB/s, with dual-channel DDR3 support.

Q: What PCIe version and lane count does it provide?

A: It provides PCIe Gen 2 with 4 lanes from the CPU only.

Q: What is the percentile ranking of this processor?

A: It is at the 50th percentile versus all CPUs.

Platform and Compatibility

The Intel Atom x5-E3930 uses the Intel BGA 1296 socket, which is a ball-grid array package. This socket type means the processor is soldered directly to the motherboard, precluding user-level upgrades or replacement. The processor is part of the Apollo Lake platform, with the Goldmont architecture, and is manufactured on a 14 nm process node by Intel.

Memory support is limited to DDR3, with a dual-channel memory bus. The total memory bandwidth is 29.9 GB/s, which is the maximum theoretical throughput for the memory subsystem. ECC memory is not supported, so the platform cannot provide error-correcting memory features. The integrated graphics are HD Graphics 500, which is a basic iGPU that shares system memory.

For expansion, the processor provides PCIe Gen 2 with 4 lanes, available from the CPU only. This means that any PCIe devices, such as NVMe SSDs or discrete GPUs, would have access to only 4 Gen 2 lanes, which is a bandwidth constraint. The production status is Active, indicating the processor is still being manufactured and available for new designs.

The release date is 2014-08-29, and the part number is SREKASR33Q. The market segment is Mobile, which aligns with the low TDP of 7 watts and the BGA packaging. The multiplier is not unlocked, so overclocking is not possible. The processor has no L3 cache, relying solely on 56 KB L1 per core and 2 MB shared L2.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Intel Atom x5-E3930 has 2 cores and 2 threads, meaning there is no simultaneous multi-threading. Each core can execute exactly one thread at a time. The base clock of 1300.00 MHz and boost clock of 1800.00 MHz apply to each core, but the boost clock is typically sustained for a single active core under thermal and power limits, which are constrained by the 7-watt TDP.

In single-threaded workloads, the boost clock of 1800.00 MHz determines the maximum performance. The 56 KB L1 cache per core is relatively small, which may impact performance in workloads with large working sets. However, for simple tasks that fit within the L1 cache, the single-thread performance is dictated by the clock speed and the Goldmont architecture's efficiency.

In multi-threaded workloads, both cores can operate simultaneously, but the lack of additional threads means only two concurrent execution streams are possible. The shared 2 MB L2 cache is used by both cores, which can cause contention if both threads access memory-heavy data. The dual-channel DDR3 memory bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s provides a reasonable data path, but the low core count limits scaling.

The split between single-thread and multi-thread behavior is stark: this processor is designed for scenarios where one or two threads are active, such as interactive applications or light server tasks. For workloads that can utilize more than two threads, the processor will quickly saturate, and the 50th percentile ranking reflects this limited parallel capability. The data indicates that the boost clock of 1800.00 MHz is the key lever for single-thread responsiveness, while multi-thread performance is capped by the physical core count of 2.