A10-5800K vs Core i7-3540M

A10-5800K vs Core i7-3540M Performance Spectrum

A10-5800K

4 / 4

2,963

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i7-3540M

2 / 4

2,984

+0.7%

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.

A10-5800K vs Core i7-3540M FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A10-5800K vs Core i7-3540M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A10-5800K

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 100W instead of 512W, a 412W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-3540M.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,963 vs 2,984).

Core i7-3540M

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A10-5800K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌412% higher power demand at 512W vs 100W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A10-5800K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3540M better than A10-5800K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A10-5800K is ahead with a 4.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3540M pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3540M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-3540M still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-3540M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-3540M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A10-5800K vs Core i7-3540M Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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.

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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)	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Trinity (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,963	2,984
Geekbench 6 Single	461	—

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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 A10-5800K supports 16.6% 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+17%	1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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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.