Intel Core i7-3540M

The Intel Core i7-3540M is a mobile dual-core processor from Intel’s Ivy Bridge generation, released on January 7, 2013. It runs at a base clock of 3.00 GHz and boosts to 3.70 GHz, with 2 cores and 4 threads. This 35W part uses the Intel Socket G2 (988B) and integrates Intel HD 4000 graphics. In the benchmark database, it holds an average score of 869 and sits at the 22nd percentile among all CPUs, indicating a low-to-mid position in the overall performance distribution.

Benchmark Performance

The i7-3540M’s multi-core scores across Cinebench versions are 255 in R15, 1063 in R20, and 2533 in R23. Single-core results are 149 in R20 and 357 in R23, while Geekbench reports 1160 multi-core and 565 single-core. These numbers place the chip at the 22nd percentile, meaning the majority of processors in the database outperform it. Against its nearest rivals, the i7-3540M is essentially tied with the Intel Xeon X3460 (delta 0%), trails the Intel Core i7-930 and AMD Athlon PRO 3045B by 0.3% each, and leads the Intel Core i5-3470T by 0.5%. All deltas are within a single percentage point, so the i7-3540M occupies a narrow performance band relative to these competitors.

The multi-threaded scores reveal a modest ceiling. A Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 2533 is far below what modern desktop parts achieve, but it is sufficient for light productivity. The single-core Geekbench score of 565 and Cinebench R23 single-core of 357 suggest that per-thread performance is also limited. The 22nd percentile ranking underscores that this is not a high-performance part; it is a mid-range mobile processor from 2013.

Who Should Consider It

Based on the benchmark results, the i7-3540M is best suited for everyday mobile workloads: web browsing, document editing, spreadsheet tasks, and light media consumption. Its single-core scores are adequate for responsive office applications, while the multi-core scores allow for occasional multitasking without severe slowdown. The Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 1063 is too low for intensive 3D rendering or video encoding, so users with such needs should look elsewhere. The integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics are present, but the processor’s overall performance profile does not suggest it is aimed at gaming. The 22nd percentile ranking means it falls behind the majority of CPUs, so it is not a candidate for demanding creative workloads. Instead, it fits into legacy laptops or basic productivity machines where power efficiency and cost are more important than raw speed.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The i7-3540M’s single-core and multi-core scores illustrate a typical dual-core-with-four-threads pattern. In Geekbench, the multi-core score of 1160 is roughly double the single-core 565, indicating near-linear scaling from two physical cores and two additional threads. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core 2533 is about seven times the single-core 357, a larger ratio that reflects the test’s longer duration and scaling characteristics. Single-thread performance is modest; a Cinebench R23 score of 357 places it well below many desktop parts. Applications that rely on a single thread—such as older games or certain productivity tools—will see limited performance. Conversely, multi-threaded workloads that can use four threads get a moderate boost, but the absolute performance is still constrained by the low core count and older Ivy Bridge architecture. The 3.00 GHz base and 3.70 GHz boost clocks help, but they cannot compensate for the fundamental limits of the design.

Platform and Compatibility

The i7-3540M uses the Intel Socket G2 (988B), a mobile socket. It is built on the 22nm Ivy Bridge process with a die size of 118 mm². Memory support is DDR3 in dual-channel configuration, but ECC memory is not supported. The processor integrates Intel HD 4000 graphics. As a mobile part, it was released on January 7, 2013, and carries the part number SR0X6. The socket is specific to a generation of laptops, so upgrade options are limited to other mobile processors that use the same socket, though the database does not list any such alternatives. The dual-channel DDR3 memory interface is a standard feature for laptops of that era. The lack of ECC support indicates a consumer-oriented platform rather than a workstation or server design.

How It Compares

Intel Xeon X3460: The i7-3540M ties with the Xeon X3460 in average benchmark score, both at 869 (delta 0%). This parity is notable given the different market segments—the Xeon is likely a desktop part, while the i7-3540M is mobile. The identical scores suggest that the Xeon’s older architecture and possibly lower clock speed offset any advantage from its core count.

Intel Core i7-930: The i7-3540M trails the Core i7-930 by 0.3%, with average scores of 869 and 871 respectively. The margin is negligible, so real-world differences would be imperceptible. Both parts are from the same era, but the i7-930 is a desktop processor, while the i7-3540M is mobile.

AMD Athlon PRO 3045B: The i7-3540M is 0.3% behind the Athlon PRO 3045B (869 vs 872). Again, this is within noise. The Athlon is a modern low-power part, yet the older Intel chip keeps pace, indicating that the i7-3540M’s Ivy Bridge architecture still holds its own in basic workloads.

Intel Core i5-3470T: The i7-3540M leads the Core i5-3470T by 0.5% (869 vs 865). The i5-3470T is also a low-power part, so the performance is comparable. The slight edge may come from the i7’s higher boost clock and four threads.

FAQ

Q: What socket does the Intel Core i7-3540M use?

A: It uses the Intel Socket G2 (988B).

Q: What is the TDP of this processor?

A: The TDP is 35 watts.

Q: What memory types does it support?

A: It supports DDR3 memory in dual-channel configuration, without ECC.

Q: What is the integrated graphics?

A: The integrated graphics is Intel HD 4000.

Q: When was it released?

A: It was released on January 7, 2013.

Q: What is the part number?

A: The part number is SR0X6.

Power and Thermals

The i7-3540M has a TDP of 35W, which is modest for a laptop processor. This low thermal envelope allows for a thin-and-light design with a simple cooling solution, such as a small heat pipe and fan. The 22nm process node contributes to efficiency, and the die size of 118 mm² indicates a relatively compact chip. The 35W TDP implies that a standard laptop cooler is sufficient; no exotic cooling is required. The low TDP also suggests that sustained multi-threaded loads will cause the processor to throttle if the cooling is inadequate, but the benchmark scores indicate that such loads are not the primary use case. For a mobile part, the balance between performance and power is reasonable, making it suitable for laptops where battery life and heat dissipation are key concerns.