Atom x5-Z8350 vs Core i7-3540M
Atom x5-Z8350
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 Atom x5-Z8350 is positioned at rank 231 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 Atom x5-Z8350
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3540M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom x5-Z8350 | Core i7-3540M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Cherry Trail (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom x5-Z8350 | 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 Atom x5-Z8350 and Core i7-3540M
Atom x5-Z8350
The Atom x5-Z8350 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 February 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.44 GHz, with boost up to 1.92 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: UTFCBGA592. Memory support: 4 GB. Passmark benchmark score: 2,979 points. Launch price was $69.
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 Atom x5-Z8350 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-3540M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Atom x5-Z8350 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.92 GHz on the Atom x5-Z8350 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3540M — a 63.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-3540M (base: 1.44 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Atom x5-Z8350 uses the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3540M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Atom x5-Z8350 scores 2,979 against the Core i7-3540M's 2,984 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-3540M. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom x5-Z8350 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3540M.
| Feature | Atom x5-Z8350 | Core i7-3540M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 1.92 GHz | 3.7 GHz+93% |
| Base Clock | 1.44 GHz | 3 GHz+108% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Cherry Trail (2015−2016) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,979 | 2,984 |
Memory & Platform
The Atom x5-Z8350 uses the UTFCBGA592 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3540M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-RS 1600 on the Atom x5-Z8350 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. The Core i7-3540M supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 2 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom x5-Z8350) vs 2 (Core i7-3540M). PCIe lanes: 1 (Atom x5-Z8350) vs 16 (Core i7-3540M) — the Core i7-3540M offers 15 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FC-UTBGA592 (Atom x5-Z8350) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3540M).
| Feature | Atom x5-Z8350 | Core i7-3540M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | UTFCBGA592 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-RS 1600 | 1600+53233% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2 GB+6553500% | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 1 | 2+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 1 | 16+1500% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Atom x5-Z8350) / true (Core i7-3540M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) (Atom x5-Z8350) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3540M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3540M rivals AMD A10-5750M.
| Feature | Atom x5-Z8350 | Core i7-3540M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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