Core i5-4310M vs Xeon W3540

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 i5-4310M vs Xeon W3540 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 i5-4310M vs Xeon W3540: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4310M

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W3540 across 48 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,067 vs 3,075).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W3540, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌293.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 130W.

Xeon W3540

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.0% higher average FPS across 48 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
✅Draws 130W instead of 512W, a 382W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $284 MSRP, while Core i5-4310M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W3540 better than Core i5-4310M?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W3540 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-4310M is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon W3540 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.0% 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, Xeon W3540 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Xeon W3540 is the better buy right now. Xeon W3540 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $284 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.0% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (10.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-4310M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4310M vs Xeon W3540 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4310M

The Core i5-4310M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 January 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,067 points. Launch price was $225.

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.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4310M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon W3540 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon W3540 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-4310M versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon W3540 — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-4310M (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The Core i5-4310M uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon W3540 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4310M scores 3,067 against the Xeon W3540's 3,075 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon W3540. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4310M vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon W3540.

Feature	Core i5-4310M	Xeon W3540
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+6%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	2.93 GHz+9%
L3 Cache	3 MB	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
PassMark	3,067	3,075

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4310M uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W3540 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.