Core i7-3540M vs Core i7-930
Core i7-3540M
Core i7-930
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 Core i7-930 is on rank 996, 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 Core i7-930
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3540M | Core i7-930 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Bloomfield (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3540M | Core i7-930 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
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 Core i7-930
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.
Core i7-930
The Core i7-930 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 February 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.06 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: 2,993 points. Launch price was $80.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3540M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-930 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-930 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3540M versus 3.06 GHz on the Core i7-930 — a 18.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-3540M (base: 3 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i7-3540M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-930 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3540M scores 2,984 against the Core i7-930's 2,993 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-930. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3540M vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-930.
| Feature | Core i7-3540M | Core i7-930 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz+21% | 3.06 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+7% | 2.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Bloomfield (2008−2010) |
| PassMark | 2,984 | 2,993 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3540M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-930 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i7-3540M versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i7-930 — 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 24 GB — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-3540M) vs 3 (Core i7-930). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-3540M) vs 36 (Core i7-930) — the Core i7-930 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i7-3540M | Core i7-930 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+53233% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 24 GB+78643100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 3+50% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 36+125% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-3540M) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-930). The Core i7-3540M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i7-930 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-930 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3540M rivals AMD A10-5750M.
| Feature | Core i7-3540M | Core i7-930 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
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