Core i3-540 vs Core i5-4200Y

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.

Core i3-540 vs Core i5-4200Y 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.

Core i3-540 vs Core i5-4200Y: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-540

2010

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 73W instead of 512W, a 439W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,554 vs 1,558).
❌Launch MSRP is still $133 MSRP, while Core i5-4200Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4200Y can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-4200Y

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4200, while Core i3-540 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌601.4% higher power demand at 512W vs 73W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4200Y better than Core i3-540?

Yes. Core i5-4200Y is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4200Y is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% more average FPS across 48 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4200Y is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4200Y is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-4200Y comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $133 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-540 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (11.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1156.

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

Core i5-4200Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-540 vs Core i5-4200Y Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-540

The Core i3-540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 0.07 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,554 points. Launch price was $45.

Core i5-4200Y

The Core i5-4200Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 11.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,558 points. Launch price was $297.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-540 and Core i5-4200Y share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 0.07 GHz on the Core i3-540 versus 1.9 GHz on the Core i5-4200Y — a 185.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-4200Y (base: 3.06 GHz vs 1.4 GHz). The Core i3-540 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-4200Y uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-540 scores 1,554 against the Core i5-4200Y's 1,558 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-4200Y. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-540 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-4200Y.

Feature	Core i3-540	Core i5-4200Y
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	0.07 GHz	1.9 GHz+2614%
Base Clock	3.06 GHz+119%	1.4 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,554	1,558
Geekbench 6 Single	—	574

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-540 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-4200Y uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-540	Core i5-4200Y
Socket	LGA1156	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	16 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	12

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-540) / VT-x, EPT (Core i5-4200Y). The Core i5-4200Y includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4200), while the Core i3-540 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4200Y targets Tablet/2-in-1. Direct competitor: Core i5-4200Y rivals A4-5150M.