Core i5-6200U vs Core i7-3540M

Both the Core i5-6200U and Core i7-3540M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i5-6200U versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3540M — a 27.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-3540M (base: 2.3 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-6200U uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3540M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6200U scores 2,990 against the Core i7-3540M's 2,984 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-6200U. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-6200U vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3540M.

The Core i5-6200U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3540M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6200U versus 1600 on the Core i7-3540M — the Core i7-3540M supports 199% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-6200U) vs 16 (Core i7-3540M) — the Core i7-3540M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Integrated (Core i5-6200U) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3540M).

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6200U) vs true (Core i7-3540M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 520 (Core i5-6200U) 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 i5-6200U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-6200U rivals A12-9700P; Core i7-3540M rivals AMD A10-5750M.