Intel Core i3-1000NG4 vs Intel Core i7-3540M Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i3-1000NG4 wins every single head-to-head benchmark against the Intel Core i7-3540M. Across five Cinebench comparisons, the i3-1000NG4 posts a consistent victory margin of roughly 18% in every test, whether the workload is single-threaded or multi-threaded.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i3-1000NG4 scores 301 against the i7-3540M's 254, a delta of 18.5%. The single-core result for R15 is not listed for the i7-3540M, but the R20 single-core comparison shows the i3-1000NG4 at 177 versus 149, a margin of 18.8%. That is the largest percentage gap in the head-to-head set, and it highlights that the newer chip's advantage is not merely a matter of extra cores or higher thread counts, it is a fundamental per-thread performance lead.

The multi-core Cinebench R20 test shows the i3-1000NG4 at 1255 and the i7-3540M at 1060, a delta of 18.4%. The same relative gap persists in Cinebench R23: multi-core scores are 2989 versus 2525 (18.4% delta), and single-core scores are 422 versus 356 (18.5% delta). The consistency of these margins across different Cinebench versions is notable; it suggests the performance relationship between these two chips is stable and not workload-specific within this rendering suite.

Neither chip reaches the 100th percentile of all CPUs. The i3-1000NG4 sits at the 23rd percentile, and the i7-3540M also sits at the 23rd percentile. Their average benchmark scores are close: the i3-1000NG4 averages 881, while the i7-3540M averages 867. The i3-1000NG4's nearest rivals include the AMD Phenom II X6 1035T and AMD Athlon Silver 7120U at identical 881 average scores, and the Intel Core i7-930 at 882 (a delta of -0.1%). The i7-3540M's nearest rivals include the Intel Xeon X3460 at 866 (delta 0.1%), the Intel Core i5-3470T at 863 (delta 0.4%), and the Intel Atom C5315 at 871 (delta -0.5%). These rival comparisons show that both chips are positioned in the same performance tier overall, yet the head-to-head data gives the i3-1000NG4 a decisive edge in every direct comparison.

The wins tally is 5 for the i3-1000NG4 and 0 for the i7-3540M. There is no benchmark in the database where the older Ivy Bridge part takes the lead.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural eras and manufacturing nodes. The i3-1000NG4 is built on Intel's 10 nm process and uses the Ice Lake architecture, specifically the Ice Lake-Y codename with Sunny Cove-Y cores. The i7-3540M is a 22 nm Ivy Bridge part. The die sizes are similar, 123 mm² for the i3-1000NG4 and 118 mm² for the i7-3540M, but the process node difference is substantial, 10 nm versus 22 nm.

Both chips have 2 physical cores and 4 threads, so the thread count is identical. The cache layouts differ in the L1 and L2 sizes. The i3-1000NG4 has 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 per core, while the i7-3540M has 64 KB of L1 per core and 256 KB of L2 per core. The L3 cache is the same: 4 MB shared on both parts.

The integrated graphics are different. The i3-1000NG4 uses Iris Plus with 48 execution units, while the i7-3540M uses Intel HD 4000. The i3-1000NG4 supports DDR4 memory over a dual-channel bus, and it has PCIe Gen 3 support. The i7-3540M supports DDR3 memory, also dual-channel, and no PCIe generation is listed in the database for that part.

The i3-1000NG4 is a 9 watt TDP part, while the i7-3540M is rated at 35 watts. That is a considerable difference in power envelope, and it explains some of the performance-per-watt characteristics visible in the benchmark data. The i3-1000NG4 achieves its higher scores while drawing far less power, a direct consequence of the newer process node and architecture.

The sockets are incompatible: the i3-1000NG4 uses Intel BGA 1044, while the i7-3540M uses Intel Socket G2 (988B). The part numbers also differ, SRGM9 for the i3-1000NG4 and SR0X6 for the i7-3540M. Neither chip has an unlocked multiplier, and neither supports ECC memory. The i3-1000NG4 is marked as end-of-life production status, while no production status is recorded for the i7-3540M. The release dates are far apart: the i7-3540M launched in January 2013, while the i3-1000NG4 launched in March 2020.

The Verdict

The data points to one clear conclusion: the Intel Core i3-1000NG4 is the faster processor in every benchmark recorded in this database. It wins all five head-to-head comparisons with margins between 18.4% and 18.8%, and it does so while consuming only 9 watts of TDP compared to the i7-3540M's 35 watts.

For a user choosing between these two mobile chips, the i3-1000NG4 offers a higher performance ceiling in both single-core and multi-core Cinebench tests. The single-core advantage is particularly important for everyday responsiveness, and the multi-core advantage matters for rendering or compilation workloads that scale across threads. The i7-3540M's only potential advantage lies in its older platform, which might be relevant for legacy system compatibility, but the recorded benchmark data does not show any performance scenario where the i7-3540M comes out ahead.

The i3-1000NG4 also benefits from newer memory support, DDR4 versus DDR3, and a more capable integrated graphics solution with 48 execution units. The 10 nm process node gives it a significant efficiency advantage, which is critical in thin-and-light mobile designs. The i7-3540M, despite its higher boost clock of 3.70 GHz versus 3.20 GHz on the i3-1000NG4, cannot translate that clock speed into superior benchmark results. The architectural efficiency of Ice Lake over Ivy Bridge is the decisive factor.

The verdict is straightforward: for any workload represented in the Cinebench suite, the i3-1000NG4 is the superior choice. The data shows no scenario where the i7-3540M wins.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specification fields. The i3-1000NG4 has a base clock of 1100.00 MHz and a boost clock of 3.20 GHz, while the i7-3540M has a base clock of 3.00 GHz and a boost clock of 3.70 GHz. The i7-3540M runs at higher clocks in both states, yet it loses all benchmarks, which underscores the architectural efficiency of the newer part.

TDP is a major differentiator: the i3-1000NG4 is rated at 9 watts, the i7-3540M at 35 watts.

The process nodes are 10 nm for the i3-1000NG4 and 22 nm for the i7-3540M. The die sizes are close, 123 mm² versus 118 mm², but the architectures are entirely different: Ice Lake with Sunny Cove-Y cores versus Ivy Bridge.

Cache configurations differ in L1 size only: the i3-1000NG4 has 80 KB per core, the i7-3540M has 64 KB per core. Both have 256 KB L2 per core and 4 MB shared L3.

Memory support differs: DDR4 for the i3-1000NG4, DDR3 for the i7-3540M. Both use dual-channel memory buses.

The integrated graphics are different: Iris Plus (48EU) for the i3-1000NG4, Intel HD 4000 for the i7-3540M.

The i3-1000NG4 supports PCIe Gen 3; no PCIe generation is listed for the i7-3540M.

The sockets are different: Intel BGA 1044 for the i3-1000NG4, Intel Socket G2 (988B) for the i7-3540M.

Release dates are far apart: the i7-3540M launched on January 7, 2013, while the i3-1000NG4 launched on March 17, 2020.

The i3-1000NG4 is marked as end-of-life production status; the i7-3540M has no production status recorded.

Neither chip has an unlocked multiplier, and neither supports ECC memory. Both are mobile market segments. The part numbers are SRGM9 for the i3-1000NG4 and SR0X6 for the i7-3540M.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Intel Core i3-1000NG4 scores 2989, while the Intel Core i7-3540M scores 2525. The i3-1000NG4 wins with a delta of 18.4%.

Q: What is the single-core performance difference in Cinebench R20?

A: The i3-1000NG4 scores 177, and the i7-3540M scores 149. The i3-1000NG4 leads by 18.8%, the largest margin in the head-to-head data.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The i3-1000NG4 has an average benchmark score of 881, while the i7-3540M averages 867. Both sit at the 23rd percentile of all CPUs.

Q: What are their TDP ratings?

A: The i3-1000NG4 is rated at 9 watts, and the i7-3540M is rated at 35 watts.

Q: Do both processors have the same number of cores and threads?

A: Yes, both have 2 cores and 4 threads.

Q: What memory types do they support?

A: The i3-1000NG4 supports DDR4, while the i7-3540M supports DDR3. Both use dual-channel memory buses.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i3-1000NG4 wins in every benchmark category recorded in the database. It takes all five head-to-head comparisons: Cinebench R15 multi-core, R20 multi-core, R20 single-core, R23 multi-core, and R23 single-core. The margins are consistent, between 18.4% and 18.8%, which indicates that the performance advantage is broad rather than workload-specific.

The i3-1000NG4 is the clear choice for any rendering workload measured by Cinebench, whether single-threaded or multi-threaded. Its 9 watt TDP also makes it suitable for fanless or ultra-portable designs where power efficiency is a priority. The newer 10 nm process, DDR4 memory support, and Iris Plus graphics with 48 execution units give it a platform-level advantage that extends beyond raw CPU benchmarks.

The i7-3540M does not win any recorded benchmark. Its higher base and boost clocks, 3.00 GHz and 3.70 GHz respectively, do not translate into superior scores. However, its older Ivy Bridge platform and Socket G2 (988B) compatibility could matter for users maintaining legacy systems that require that specific socket. The database does not list any PCIe support for the i7-3540M, and its 35 watt TDP is more suited to traditional laptops with active cooling.

For the use cases represented by the data, the i3-1000NG4 is the superior part. The only scenario where the i7-3540M would be chosen is when platform compatibility with the older socket is a hard requirement, or when DDR3 memory support is necessary. In pure performance terms, the data shows no contest.