Xeon E5-4640 v3 vs Xeon E7540
Xeon E5-4640 v3
Xeon E7540
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 Xeon E5-4640 v3 is positioned at rank 1007 and the Xeon E7540 is on rank 986, so the Xeon E7540 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-4640 v3
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E7540
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5-4640 v3 | Xeon E7540 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) | ✅ More affordable ($146) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell-EP (2014−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5-4640 v3 | Xeon E7540 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+106%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) | ✅ More affordable ($146) |
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 Xeon E5-4640 v3 and Xeon E7540
Xeon E5-4640 v3
The Xeon E5-4640 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 10,372 points. Launch price was $800.
Xeon E7540
The Xeon E7540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.27 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB L3 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1567. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 10,376 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5-4640 v3 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon E7540 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-4640 v3 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-4640 v3 versus 2.27 GHz on the Xeon E7540 — a 13.6% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-4640 v3 (base: 1.9 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Xeon E5-4640 v3 is built on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E5-4640 v3 scores 10,372 against the Xeon E7540's 10,376 — a 0% lead for the Xeon E7540. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-4640 v3 vs 18 MB L3 Cache on the Xeon E7540.
| Feature | Xeon E5-4640 v3 | Xeon E7540 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24+100% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 2.6 GHz+15% | 2.27 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.9 GHz | 2 GHz+5% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total)+67% | 18 MB L3 Cache |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | — |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell-EP (2014−2015) | — |
| PassMark | 10,372 | 10,376 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 750 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E5-4640 v3 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon E7540 uses LGA1567 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-1866 on the Xeon E5-4640 v3 versus DDR3-1066 on the Xeon E7540 — the Xeon E5-4640 v3 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-4640 v3 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 2 TB — 199% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 40 (Xeon E5-4640 v3) vs 32 (Xeon E7540) — the Xeon E5-4640 v3 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Xeon E5-4640 v3 | Xeon E7540 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA1567 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+150% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-1866+33% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 768 GB | 2 TB+167% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40+25% | 32 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: Yes (Xeon E5-4640 v3) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E7540). Primary use case: Xeon E7540 targets Server.
| Feature | Xeon E5-4640 v3 | Xeon E7540 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | Yes | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Server |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E5-4640 v3 launched at $2859 MSRP, while the Xeon E7540 debuted at $1980. At current prices ($300 vs $146), the Xeon E7540 is $154 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-4640 v3 delivers 34.6 pts/$ vs 71.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E7540 — making the Xeon E7540 the 69.1% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E5-4640 v3 | Xeon E7540 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2859 | $1980-31% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $300 | $146-51% |
| Performance per Dollar | 34.6 | 71.1+105% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2010 |
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