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 Pentium N3540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Bay Trail-M (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.16 GHz, with boost up to 2.66 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 7.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,207 points. Launch price was $251.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Pentium N3540 is positioned at rank #1149 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 Pentium N3540

#1137

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

3912%

#1138

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

3855%

#1139

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

3539%

#1140

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

3523%

#1141

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

3490%

#1143

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

3371%

#1144

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

3232%

#1145

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

3227%

#1146

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

3140%

#1149

Pentium N3540

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

100%

#1150

Core i7-3555LE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $280

99%

#1151

Core i3-2377M

MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A

99%

#1152

Core 2 Duo E8435

MSRP: $150|Avg: $74

98%

#1153

Celeron M 723

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

98%

#1154

Core i7-3517UE

MSRP: $330|Avg: $35

96%

#1155

Core M-5Y51

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

96%

#1156

Pentium N3530

MSRP: $161|Avg: $20

96%

#1157

Core i3-330E

MSRP: $177|Avg: $89

95%

#1159

Core i7-2640M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

94%

#1160

Core M-5Y71

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

94%

#1162

Core i7-2620M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

93%

#1164

Celeron N3010

MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A

92%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Pentium N3540 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium N3540 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Pentium N3540 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Bay Trail-M (2013−2014) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.66 GHz from a base frequency of 2.16 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 2 MB L2 Cache of L3 cache, plus 2 MB of L2 cache and 224 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,207, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Pentium N3540
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.66 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.16 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Bay Trail-M (2013−2014)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	2 MB L2 Cache
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	2 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	224 kB
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,207

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium N3540 fits into the FCBGA1170 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3L-1333 memory.

Specification	Pentium N3540
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Pentium
SocketMotherboard socket required	FCBGA1170
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3L-1333
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Pentium N3540 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 7.5 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Pentium N3540
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	7.5 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $161, the Pentium N3540 delivers 7 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1149 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2943 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Pentium N3540
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$161
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$161
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$251
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1149
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2943
Release DateLaunch date	22 May 2014 (11 years ago)
Release Year	2014
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel