Xeon E7540
Intel
PassMark
10,376
MSRP
$1980
AVG Price
$146
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 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. 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 Xeon E7540
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon E7540 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Final Fantasy XIV
Grand Theft Auto V
Hogwarts Legacy
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Naraka: Bladepoint
Overwatch 2
Path of Exile 2
Red Dead Redemption 2
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. 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 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1275 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2015-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2010 |
| 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.
3 categories
General Information
5 specs
General Information
5 specs
| Type | server |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $800 |
| Release Date | 2015-01-01 |
| Performance Ranking Position | 1275 |
Technical Specifications
9 specs
Technical Specifications
9 specs
| Cores | 6 |
| Threads | 12 |
| L3 Cache | 18 MB L3 Cache |
| Max Frequency | 2.27 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | - |
| Base Frequency | 2 GHz |
| Process Technology | 45 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 64 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
3 specs
Compatibility
3 specs
| Socket | LGA1567 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 105 Watt |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Xeon E7540
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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Compare Xeon E7540
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