Core i7-3540M vs Atom x5-Z8350
Core i7-3540M
Atom x5-Z8350
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-3540M is positioned at rank 81 and the Atom x5-Z8350 is on rank 231, so the Core i7-3540M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3540M
Performance Per Dollar Atom x5-Z8350
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3540M | Atom x5-Z8350 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Cherry Trail (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3540M | Atom x5-Z8350 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-3540M and Atom x5-Z8350
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.
Atom x5-Z8350
The Atom x5-Z8350 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 February 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.44 GHz, with boost up to 1.92 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: UTFCBGA592. Memory support: 4 GB. Passmark benchmark score: 2,979 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3540M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Atom x5-Z8350 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Atom x5-Z8350 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3540M versus 1.92 GHz on the Atom x5-Z8350 — a 63.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-3540M (base: 3 GHz vs 1.44 GHz). The Core i7-3540M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Atom x5-Z8350 uses Cherry Trail (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3540M scores 2,984 against the Atom x5-Z8350's 2,979 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-3540M. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3540M vs 0 kB on the Atom x5-Z8350.
| Feature | Core i7-3540M | Atom x5-Z8350 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz+93% | 1.92 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+108% | 1.44 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 2 MB+700% |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Cherry Trail (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 2,984 | 2,979 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3540M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Atom x5-Z8350 uses UTFCBGA592 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i7-3540M versus DDR3L-RS 1600 on the Atom x5-Z8350 — the Core i7-3540M supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-3540M supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 2 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-3540M) vs 1 (Atom x5-Z8350). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-3540M) vs 1 (Atom x5-Z8350) — the Core i7-3540M offers 15 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3540M) and Intel FC-UTBGA592 (Atom x5-Z8350).
| Feature | Core i7-3540M | Atom x5-Z8350 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | UTFCBGA592 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+53233% | DDR3L-RS 1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 2 GB+6553500% |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+1500% | 1 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i7-3540M) / not specified (Atom x5-Z8350). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3540M) and Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) (Atom x5-Z8350) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3540M rivals AMD A10-5750M.
| Feature | Core i7-3540M | Atom x5-Z8350 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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