Core i5-4300M vs Core i7-3540M

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 i5-4300M 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.

Core i5-4300M 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.

Core i5-4300M

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,960 vs 2,984).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $227 MSRP, while Core i7-3540M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3540M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-3540M

2013

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core i5-4300M needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3540M better than Core i5-4300M?

Yes. Core i7-3540M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.8% 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 i7-3540M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-3540M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3540M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $227 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4300M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (13.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA946.

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 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB) 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 i5-4300M vs Core i7-3540M Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4300M

The Core i5-4300M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,960 points. Launch price was $227.

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

Both the Core i5-4300M and Core i7-3540M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-4300M versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3540M — a 11.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-3540M (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-4300M uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-3540M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4300M scores 2,960 against the Core i7-3540M's 2,984 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-3540M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-4300M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3540M.

Feature	Core i5-4300M	Core i7-3540M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.7 GHz+12%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	3 GHz+15%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,960	2,984

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4300M uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3540M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4300M	Core i7-3540M
Socket	PGA946	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-4300M) / true (Core i7-3540M). The Core i7-3540M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i5-4300M requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3540M rivals AMD A10-5750M.