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 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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Xeon E7540 is positioned at rank #986 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 Xeon E7540

Xeon Platinum 8454H

MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A

39661%

Xeon Gold 6240R

MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A

7488%

#10

Xeon 6337P

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

6653%

#15

EPYC 9174F

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

5140%

#986

Xeon E7540

MSRP: $1980|Avg: $146

100%

#987

Xeon E7530

MSRP: $1391|Avg: $146

99%

#988

Xeon E5-4627 v4

MSRP: $2500|Avg: $200

99%

#989

Xeon E5-4627 v3

MSRP: $2225|Avg: $200

97%

#990

Xeon X5660

MSRP: $1219|Avg: $10

94%

#991

Xeon E5-2667

MSRP: $1552|Avg: $31

92%

#992

Xeon E5-2690

MSRP: $2057|Avg: $150

91%

#993

Xeon E3-1565L v5

MSRP: $1552|Avg: $120

90%

#994

Xeon L5640

MSRP: $996|Avg: N/A

89%

#995

Xeon L5335

MSRP: $380|Avg: $18

87%

#996

Xeon E5-4627 v2

MSRP: $2061|Avg: $70

87%

#997

Xeon E-2144G

MSRP: $2090|Avg: $389

86%

#998

Xeon X5675

MSRP: $1440|Avg: $22

85%

#999

Xeon Phi 7210

MSRP: $1881|Avg: $150

74%

#1000

Xeon D-1567

MSRP: $2702|Avg: $230

74%

#1001

Xeon E-2126G

MSRP: $2702|Avg: $230

74%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon E7540 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon E7540 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Xeon E7540 is a 6-core / 12-thread processor, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.27 GHz from a base frequency of 2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 18 MB L3 Cache L3 cache (3D V-Cache technology), this processor has a significant gaming advantage — the large cache drastically reduces memory latency in game engines.. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 10,376, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Xeon E7540
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	6C / 12T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.27 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2 GHz
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	18 MB L3 Cache
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	64 °C
64-bit Support	No
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	10,376

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E7540 fits into the LGA1567 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 32 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.

Specification	Xeon E7540
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	server
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1567
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	32
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1066
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	2 TB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	4
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	Yes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No

🔧

Advanced Features

The Xeon E7540 is primarily designed for Server. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Xeon E7540
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Server
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon E7540 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 105 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Xeon E7540
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	105 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	64 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $146 (MSRP: $1980), the Xeon E7540 delivers 71 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #986 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1275 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon E7540
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$1980
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$146
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$800
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#986
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1275
Release DateLaunch date	2015-01-01
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel