CPU
GPU
A10-5800K
Core i7-3540M
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The A10-5800K is positioned at rank 430 and the Core i7-3540M is on rank 81, so the Core i7-3540M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A10-5800K
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3540M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A10-5800K | Core i7-3540M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Trinity (2012−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A10-5800K | Core i7-3540M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of A10-5800K and Core i7-3540M
A10-5800K
The A10-5800K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,963 points. Launch price was $122.
Core i7-3540M
The Core i7-3540M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,984 points. Launch price was $349.
Processing Power
The A10-5800K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-3540M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A10-5800K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the A10-5800K versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3540M — a 12.7% clock advantage for the A10-5800K (base: 3.8 GHz vs 3 GHz). The A10-5800K uses the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-3540M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the A10-5800K scores 2,963 against the Core i7-3540M's 2,984 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-3540M. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A10-5800K vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3540M.
| Feature | A10-5800K | Core i7-3540M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz+14% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.8 GHz+27% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core)+300% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Trinity (2012−2013) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,963 | 2,984 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 461 | — |
Memory & Platform
The A10-5800K uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-3540M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the A10-5800K versus 1600 on the Core i7-3540M — the Core i7-3540M supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: A55,A58,A75,A78,A85X,A88X (A10-5800K) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3540M).
| Feature | A10-5800K | Core i7-3540M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FM2 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1866 | 1600+53233% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+104857500% | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the A10-5800K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A10-5800K) vs true (Core i7-3540M). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 7660D (A10-5800K) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3540M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-5800K targets Budget. Direct competitor: A10-5800K rivals Core i3-3225; Core i7-3540M rivals AMD A10-5750M.
| Feature | A10-5800K | Core i7-3540M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 7660D | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | true |
| Target Use | Budget | — |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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