CPU
GPU
Core i3-4160T
Xeon W3540
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 Core i3-4160T is positioned at rank 653 and the Xeon W3540 is on rank 843, so the Core i3-4160T offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4160T
Performance Per Dollar Xeon W3540
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-4160T | Xeon W3540 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($18) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Bloomfield (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-4160T | Xeon W3540 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+79%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($18) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
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 Core i3-4160T and Xeon W3540
Core i3-4160T
The Core i3-4160T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,087 points. Launch price was $142.
Xeon W3540
The Xeon W3540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,075 points. Launch price was $699.
Processing Power
The Core i3-4160T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon W3540 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon W3540 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-4160T versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon W3540 — a 3.2% clock advantage for the Xeon W3540 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The Core i3-4160T uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon W3540 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4160T scores 3,087 against the Xeon W3540's 3,075 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-4160T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4160T vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon W3540.
| Feature | Core i3-4160T | Xeon W3540 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.2 GHz+3% |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz+6% | 2.93 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+167% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Bloomfield (2008−2010) |
| PassMark | 3,087 | 3,075 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 900 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-4160T uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W3540 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-4160T | Xeon W3540 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4160T) / not specified (Xeon W3540). The Core i3-4160T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4400), while the Xeon W3540 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4160T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-4160T rivals A10-7800.
| Feature | Core i3-4160T | Xeon W3540 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4400 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Low Power Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-4160T launched at $117 MSRP, while the Xeon W3540 debuted at $284. At current prices ($18 vs $10), the Xeon W3540 is $8 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4160T delivers 171.5 pts/$ vs 307.5 pts/$ for the Xeon W3540 — making the Xeon W3540 the 56.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-4160T | Xeon W3540 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $117-59% | $284 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $18 | $10-44% |
| Performance per Dollar | 171.5 | 307.5+79% |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2009 |
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