Core i3-540
Intel
PassMark
1,554
MSRP
$133
AVG Price
$5
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.
Overview
The Core i3-540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 0.07 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,554 points. Launch price was $45.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-540
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i3-540 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Counter-Strike 2
Dead by Daylight
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Honkai: Star Rail
League of Legends
Monster Hunter Wilds
Path of Exile 2
Phasmophobia
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core i3-540 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core i3-540 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 0.07 GHz from a base frequency of 3.06 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,554, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Core i3-540 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 4T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 0.07 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3.06 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Clarkdale (2010−2011) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 32 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 256 kB (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 64 kB (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 81 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 382 million |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 2.5 GT/s |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 73 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 1,554 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-540 fits into the LGA1156 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.
| Specification | Core i3-540 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA1156 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 2.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR3 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Power & Cooling
The Core i3-540 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 73 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Core i3-540 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 73 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 73 °C |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $5 (MSRP: $133), the Core i3-540 delivers 311 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2774 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core i3-540 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $133 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $5 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $45 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #2774 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 7 January 2010 (15 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2010 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $45 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 7 January 2010 (15 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Clarkdale (2010−2011) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 2774 |
Technical Specifications
14 specs
Technical Specifications
14 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 4 |
| Die Size | 81 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64 kB (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) |
| Bus Speed | 2.5 GT/s |
| Max Frequency | 0.07 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 3.06 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 382 million |
| Process Technology | 32 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 73 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 73 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
4 specs
Memory
4 specs
| RAM Types | DDR3 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 21 GB/s |
| Max Memory Capacity | 16.38 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Core i3-540
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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