Performance
Core i7-2960XM351% better
8,09822% of 36,991
Pentium N3540
1,7975% of 36,991
The Core i7-2960XM has 351% better performance than the Pentium N3540 for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
Performance per dollar
Core i7-2960XM
7.396% of 121.53
Pentium N3540
No data available
The Core i7-2960XM has 6% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: Intel Core i5-13400F.
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Summary
#
About the Intel Core i7-2960XM CPU
The Intel Core i7-2960XM is an end-of-life 4-core (8-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. It launched in Q3 2011 with a suggested retail price of $1,096. It is part of Intel's Core i7 Extreme lineup, which is based on the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture. The i7-2960XM is compatible with Intel Socket G2 (988B) motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 32 nm manufacturing process. It features the Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics solution.
Memory and Cache
The Core i7-2960XM supports DDR3 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i7-2960XM has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 256 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 8 MB.
Cores and Clock Speeds
The Core i7-2960XM features 4 total cores which can process 8 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 2.7 GHz, and it can boost up to 3.7 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking for those seeking to push the CPU's performance further.
Integrated Graphics
The Core i7-2960XM includes an integrated graphics solution called Intel HD 3000. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.
Benchmark Performance & Value
The Core i7-2960XM has the 306th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 21.89% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 8,098 score and $1,096 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 7.39. This is the 208th best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.
About the Intel Pentium N3540 CPU
The Intel Pentium N3540 is a 4-core (4-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. The N3540 is compatible with FCBGA1170 motherboards and is fabricated on a 22 nm manufacturing process. It features the Intel HD Graphics for Intel Atom Processor Z3700 Series integrated graphics solution.
Memory and Cache
In terms of cache, the Pentium N3540 has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 224 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 2 MB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 0 MB.
Cores and Clock Speeds
The Pentium N3540 features 4 total cores which can process 4 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 2160.0 MHz, and it can boost up to 2660.0 MHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture.
Integrated Graphics
The Pentium N3540 includes an integrated graphics solution called Intel HD Graphics for Intel Atom Processor Z3700 Series. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.
Benchmark Performance
The Pentium N3540 has the 632nd best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 4.86% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
General Info
General overview of the CPU, including details like its manufacturer, release date, launch price, and current production status.
| Info | Core i7-2960XM | Pentium N3540 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Series | Core i7 Extreme | -- |
| Market Segment | Mobile | Mobile |
| Release Date | Q3 2011 | -- |
| Launch Price (MSRP) | $1,096 | -- |
| Production Status | End-of-life | -- |
| Shop | Check Price | Check Price |
Benchmark Performance
#
Performance
Core i7-2960XM351% better
8,09822% of 36,991
Pentium N3540
1,7975% of 36,991
The Core i7-2960XM has 351% better performance than the Pentium N3540 for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
The Core i7-2960XM is ranked 306th with a score of 8,098, and the Pentium N3540 is ranked 632nd with a score of 1,797.
Performance per dollar
Core i7-2960XM
7.396% of 121.53
Pentium N3540
No data available
The Core i7-2960XM has 14% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
Core i7-2960XM's 7.39 performance per dollar ranks it 208th among the other benchmarked CPUs in our database.
Relative Performance
The average score in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative performance. Generally, powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.
Choose Baseline CPU:Core i7-2960XM or
| CPU | Benchmark Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| Core i5-8259U | 8,528.5 | +5% |
| Core i7-4900MQ | 8,490 | +5% |
| Core i7-2960XM | 8,098 | |
| Core i7-4810MQ | 8,012 | -1% |
| Core i7-4710MQ | 7,979 | -1% |
| A8-7410 | 1,835 | -77% |
| A6-6310 | 1,825 | -77% |
| Pentium N3540 | 1,797 | -78% |
| Core i3-3229Y | 1,795 | -78% |
| Pentium N3520 | 1,794 | -78% |
Relative Value For Money
The average performance per dollar in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative value. A higher score implies a better value for your money.
Choose Baseline CPU:Core i7-2960XM orPentium N3540
| CPU | Performance Per Dollar | |
|---|---|---|
| Core i7-5650U | 8.92 | +21% |
| Core i7-4940MX | 8.58 | +16% |
| Core i7-840QM | 8.25 | +12% |
| Core i7-5550U | 8.15 | +10% |
| Core i7-4930MX | 7.96 | +8% |
| Core i7-2960XM | 7.39 | |
| Core i7-820QM | 7.33 | -1% |
| Core i7-2920XM | 7.22 | -2% |
| Core m7-6Y75 | 6.82 | -8% |
Benchmark Scores
This table showcases the average performance scores achieved by both CPUs across industry-standard benchmark tests. These scores provide a valuable insight into overall performance. Powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.
- Popular
| Benchmark | Core i7-2960XM | Pentium N3540 |
|---|---|---|
| 3DMark 11 Performance Physics | 8,098 (+350.64%) | 1,797 |
| Cinebench R15 Multi-Core | -- | 156.5 |
| Cinebench R15 Single-Core | -- | 42 |
| Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core | 1,963 (+250.54%) | 560 |
| Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core | 603 (+212.44%) | 193 |
| CPU Mark Multi-Thread | 4,754 (+293.22%) | 1,209 |
| CPU Mark Single-Thread | 1,598 (+124.44%) | 712 |
Benchmarks Source: Notebookcheck
Technical Specs
#
Manufacturing Details
Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.
| Spec | Core i7-2960XM | Pentium N3540 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Foundry | Intel | -- |
| Process Size | 32 nm | 22 nm |
| Transistors | 1,160 million | -- |
Architecture
CPU architecture specs like its memory channels, memory support, and microarchitecture. Newer CPU architectures can minimize bottlenecks and improve execution efficiency using more advanced techniques.
| Spec | Core i7-2960XM | Pentium N3540 |
|---|---|---|
| Series | Core i7 Extreme | -- |
| Microarchitecture | Sandy Bridge | -- |
| Codename | Sandy Bridge | Bay Trail |
| Memory Support | DDR3 | -- |
| Memory Channels | Dual-channel | -- |
| ECC Memory | No | -- |
Cores & Clock Speeds
Processing power information like its cores and clock speed. These specs impact how fast they can handle instructions and tasks. These have a strong impact on the CPU's performance.
| Spec | Core i7-2960XM | Pentium N3540 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 4 |
| Threads | 8 | 4 |
| Clock Speed | 2.7 GHz | 2160.0 MHz |
| Turbo Clock | 3.7 GHz | 2660.0 MHz |
| Base Clock | 100 MHz | -- |
| Multiplier | 27.0x | -- |
| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | -- |
Cache
CPU cache specs like its L1 & L2 cache. These provide the CPU with a small, but super-fast memory access. A larger cache can improve a CPU's performance.
| Spec | Core i7-2960XM | Pentium N3540 |
|---|---|---|
| L1 Cache | 64 KB | 224 KB |
| L2 Cache | 256 KB | 2 MB |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB | 0 MB |
Compatibility & Power Consumption
Compatibility and power consumption information like its socket type, thermal design power, power limits. These can help verify the CPU's compatibility with other PC components.
| Spec | Core i7-2960XM | Pentium N3540 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | Intel Socket G2 (988B) | FCBGA1170 |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 x16 | -- |
| Thermal Design Power (TDP) | 55 W | 7.5 W |
| TJ Max | 100 °C | 100 °C |
Graphics, Features, & Extensions
Additional CPU features like its bundled coolers, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.
| Spec | Core i7-2960XM | Pentium N3540 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 3000 | Intel HD Graphics for Intel Atom Processor Z3700 Series |
| Extensions / Technologies | MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, TXT, VT-x, VT-d, HTT, AES-NI | -- |
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* Performance rating, performance per dollar, and rankings are based on the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark and MSRP.