Core i5-4308U 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 i5-4308U 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 i5-4308U 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 i5-4308U

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3540M across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,978 vs 2,984).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Core i7-3540M

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3540M better than Core i5-4308U?

Yes. Core i7-3540M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, 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 5.5% 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 0.2% 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 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 a 5.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-4308U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4308U vs Core i7-3540M Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4308U

The Core i5-4308U 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,978 points. Launch price was $315.

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 i5-4308U and Core i7-3540M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-4308U versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3540M — a 11.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-3540M (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-4308U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-3540M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4308U scores 2,978 against the Core i7-3540M's 2,984 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-3540M. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4308U vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3540M.

Feature	Core i5-4308U	Core i7-3540M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.7 GHz+12%
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3 GHz+7%
L3 Cache	3 MB	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,978	2,984

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4308U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3540M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3L-1600 memory speed. The Core i7-3540M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-4308U) vs 16 (Core i7-3540M) — the Core i7-3540M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i5-4308U	Core i7-3540M
Socket	FCBGA1168	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	1600
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4308U) vs true (Core i7-3540M). Both include integrated graphics — Iris Graphics 5100 (Core i5-4308U) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3540M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4308U targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i7-3540M rivals AMD A10-5750M.