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. 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

#344

Core i3-3130M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

113%

#345

Core i5-560M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

112%

#346

Core m5-6Y57

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

111%

#347

Core i5-5350U

MSRP: $315|Avg: N/A

110%

#348

Core i7-3520M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

109%

#349

Core m5-6Y54

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

109%

#350

Core i7-3555LE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $280

107%

#351

Core i5-4288U

MSRP: $342|Avg: N/A

104%

#352

Core m3-6Y30

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

103%

#353

Core i3-2340UE

MSRP: $200|Avg: $200

103%

#354

Core i7-2820QM

MSRP: $568|Avg: N/A

103%

#355

Core i5-520M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

102%

#356

Celeron 220

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

102%

#357

Celeron 2981U

MSRP: $137|Avg: N/A

101%

#358

Core 2 Duo SL9400

MSRP: $284|Avg: N/A

101%

#359

Pentium N3540

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

100%

#360

Core i3-2377M

MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A

99%

#361

Celeron M 723

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

98%

#362

Core M-5Y51

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

96%

#363

Core i7-2640M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

94%

#364

Core M-5Y71

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

94%

#365

Core i7-2620M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

93%

#366

Celeron N3010

MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A

92%

#367

Core i7-3537U

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

91%

#368

Core M-5Y10c

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

90%

#369

Core M-5Y10a

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

90%

#370

Celeron 1047UE

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

90%

#371

Core M-5Y70

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

90%

#372

Core i7-4510U

MSRP: $393|Avg: N/A

89%

#373

Core i3-4030U

MSRP: $281|Avg: N/A

89%

#374

Core i7-2637M

MSRP: $289|Avg: N/A

87%

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. 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
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

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

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Pentium
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$251
Release Date	22 May 2014 (11 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Bay Trail-M (2013−2014)
Performance Ranking Position	2943

Technical Specifications

11 specs

Cores	4
Threads	4
L1 Cache	224 kB
L2 Cache	2 MB
L3 Cache	2 MB L2 Cache
Max Frequency	2.66 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.16 GHz
Process Technology	22 nm
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-