Performance
Core i7-3540M1% better
4,62713% of 36,991
Core i3-8121U
4,59712% of 36,991
The Core i7-3540M has 1% better performance than the Core i3-8121U for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
Performance per dollar
Core i7-3540M
No data available
Core i3-8121U
No data available
We do not have any performance per dollar data for the Core i7-3540M and the Core i3-8121U for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
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Summary
#
About the Intel Core i7-3540M CPU
The Intel Core i7-3540M is a 2-core (4-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. It launched in Q1 2013. It is part of Intel's Core i7 lineup, which is based on the Ivy Bridge microarchitecture. The i7-3540M is compatible with Intel Socket G2 (988B) motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 22 nm manufacturing process. It features the Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics solution.
Memory and Cache
The Core i7-3540M supports DDR3 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i7-3540M 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 4 MB.
Cores and Clock Speeds
The Core i7-3540M features 2 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 3.0 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 locked, making it incapable of overclocking for pushing performance further.
Integrated Graphics
The Core i7-3540M includes an integrated graphics solution called Intel HD 4000. 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 Core i7-3540M has the 415th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 12.51% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
About the Intel Core i3-8121U CPU
The Intel Core i3-8121U is an end-of-life 2-core (4-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. It launched in Q2 2018. It is part of Intel's Core i3 lineup, which is based on the Kaby Lake-U Refresh microarchitecture. The i3-8121U is compatible with Intel BGA 1440 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 10 nm manufacturing process.
Memory and Cache
The Core i3-8121U supports DDR4 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i3-8121U 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 4 MB.
Cores and Clock Speeds
The Core i3-8121U features 2 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 2.2 GHz, and it can boost up to 3.2 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is locked, making it incapable of overclocking for pushing performance further.
Integrated Graphics
The Core i3-8121U does not include an integrated graphics solution. A dedicated graphics card will be required if you require a monitor with your computer.
Benchmark Performance
The Core i3-8121U has the 418th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 12.43% 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 i7-3540M | Core i3-8121U |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Series | Core i7 | Core i3 |
| Market Segment | Mobile | Mobile |
| Release Date | Q1 2013 | Q2 2018 |
| Production Status | -- | End-of-life |
| Shop | Check Price | Check Price |
Benchmark Performance
#
Performance
Core i7-3540M1% better
4,62713% of 36,991
Core i3-8121U
4,59712% of 36,991
The Core i7-3540M has 1% better performance than the Core i3-8121U for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
The Core i7-3540M is ranked 415th with a score of 4,627, and the Core i3-8121U is ranked 418th with a score of 4,597.
Performance per dollar
Core i7-3540M
No data available
Core i3-8121U
No data available
We do not have any performance per dollar data for the Core i7-3540M and the Core i3-8121U for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
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 i7-3540M or
| CPU | Benchmark Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| Core i7-7560U | 4,693 | +1% |
| Core i7-840QM | 4,686 | +1% |
| Core i5-6267U | 4,678.5 | +1% |
| Core i7-3540M | 4,627 | |
| Core i7-6600U | 4,606.5 | -0% |
| Core i5-6360U | 4,600 | -1% |
| Core i3-8121U | 4,597 | -1% |
| Ryzen 3 3300U | 4,587 | -1% |
| Core i7-7600U | 4,575 | -1% |
| Core i3-7100H | 4,559 | -1% |
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 i7-3540M orCore i3-8121U
| CPU | Performance Per Dollar | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Our database does not have enough data to compare the benchmark performance per dollar with other CPUs. | |||
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 i7-3540M | Core i3-8121U |
|---|---|---|
| 3DMark 11 Performance Physics | 4,627 (+0.65%) | 4,597 |
| Cinebench R15 Multi-Core | -- | 317.6 |
| Cinebench R15 Single-Core | -- | 133 |
| Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core | 1,152 | 2,366 (+105.38%) |
| Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core | 565 | 1,163 (+105.84%) |
| CPU Mark Multi-Thread | 2,990 | 4,388 (+46.76%) |
| CPU Mark Single-Thread | 1,796 | 1,942 (+8.13%) |
Benchmarks Source: Notebookcheck
Technical Specs
#
Manufacturing Details
Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.
| Spec | Core i7-3540M | Core i3-8121U |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Foundry | Intel | Intel |
| Process Size | 22 nm | 10 nm |
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 i7-3540M | Core i3-8121U |
|---|---|---|
| Series | Core i7 | Core i3 |
| Microarchitecture | Ivy Bridge | Kaby Lake-U Refresh |
| Codename | Ivy Bridge | Cannon Lake |
| Memory Support | DDR3 | DDR4 |
| Memory Channels | Dual-channel | Dual-channel |
| ECC Memory | No | 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 i7-3540M | Core i3-8121U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 2 | 2 |
| Threads | 4 | 4 |
| Clock Speed | 3.0 GHz | 2.2 GHz |
| Turbo Clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Multiplier | 30.0x | 22.0x |
| Multiplier Unlocked | No | No |
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 i7-3540M | Core i3-8121U |
|---|---|---|
| L1 Cache | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| L2 Cache | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB | 4 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 i7-3540M | Core i3-8121U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | Intel Socket G2 (988B) | Intel BGA 1440 |
| PCI Express | -- | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Thermal Design Power (TDP) | 35 W | 15 W |
| Tcase Max | -- | 72 °C |
| TJ Max | 105 °C | 105 °C |
Graphics, Features, & Extensions
Additional CPU features like its bundled coolers, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.
| Spec | Core i7-3540M | Core i3-8121U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 4000 | -- |
| Extensions / Technologies | MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, TXT, VT-x, VT-d, HTT, AES-NI | MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, VT-d, HTT, AES-NI, TSX, TXT, CLMUL, RDRAND, FMA3, F16C, BMI1, BMI2, MPX, Boost 2.0 |
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* Performance rating, performance per dollar, and rankings are based on the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark and MSRP.