Core i7-930 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 i7-930 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 i7-930 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 i7-930

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 130W instead of 512W, a 382W reduction.
✅125% more PCIe lanes (36 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $294 MSRP, while Core i7-3540M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3540M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-3540M

2013

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core i7-930 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-930 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,984 vs 2,993).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌293.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 130W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-930 better than Core i7-3540M?

Yes. Core i7-930 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-930 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.3% 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 i7-930 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 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Core i7-930 is the better buy right now. Core i7-930 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $294 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (10.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-3540M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-930 vs Core i7-3540M Technical Specifications

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

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.

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

The Core i7-930 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-3540M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-930 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.06 GHz on the Core i7-930 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3540M — a 18.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-3540M (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i7-930 uses the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-3540M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-930 scores 2,993 against the Core i7-3540M's 2,984 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-930. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-930 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3540M.

Feature	Core i7-930	Core i7-3540M
Cores / Threads	4 / 8+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.06 GHz	3.7 GHz+21%
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3 GHz+7%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+100%	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Bloomfield (2008−2010)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,993	2,984

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-930 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-3540M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core i7-930 versus 1600 on the Core i7-3540M — the Core i7-3540M supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-3540M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 24 GB — 33.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 3 (Core i7-930) vs 2 (Core i7-3540M). PCIe lanes: 36 (Core i7-930) vs 16 (Core i7-3540M) — the Core i7-930 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i7-930	Core i7-3540M
Socket	LGA1366	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	1600+50%
Max RAM Capacity	24 GB	32 GB+33%
RAM Channels	3+50%	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	36+125%	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-930) vs true (Core i7-3540M). 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.