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. The Core i3-540 is positioned at rank #970 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-540

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

26688%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

25217%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

18310%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

5516%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

4369%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

3822%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

2189%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

2161%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1967%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1967%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1945%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1893%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1866%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1859%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1842%

#970

Core i3-540

MSRP: $133|Avg: $5

100%

#972

Phenom II X3 700e

MSRP: $125|Avg: $40

99%

#973

Core i5-760

MSRP: $230|Avg: $61

99%

#974

Core i3-7102E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $80

99%

#975

Core 2 Quad Q8400

MSRP: $183|Avg: $128

97%

#976

Pentium E2180

MSRP: $84|Avg: $15

96%

#977

Pentium Dual-Core E2180

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

96%

#978

Pentium Dual-Core E2140

MSRP: $74|Avg: $5

94%

#979

E1-1500

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

94%

#980

Core i7-960

MSRP: $309|Avg: $110

94%

#981

Core i5-2405S

MSRP: $309|Avg: $120

94%

#982

Celeron 420

MSRP: $39|Avg: $15

93%

#983

Athlon II X4 615e

MSRP: $186|Avg: $30

93%

#984

Athlon X2 BE-2350

MSRP: $90|Avg: $10

93%

#985

Core 2 Quad Q8300

MSRP: $179|Avg: $10

92%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-540 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

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. It currently holds Rank #970 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#970
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