Intel Pentium N3540 vs Intel Core i7-2960XM

VS
Performance
Pentium N3540
1,7975% of 36,991
Core i7-2960XM351% better
8,09822% 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
Pentium N3540
No data available
Core i7-2960XM
7.396% of 121.53

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

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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.

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.

General Info

General overview of the CPU, including details like its manufacturer, release date, launch price, and current production status.

InfoPentium N3540Core i7-2960XM
ManufacturerIntelIntel
Series--Core i7 Extreme
Market SegmentMobileMobile
Release Date--Q3 2011
Launch Price (MSRP)--$1,096
Production Status--End-of-life
ShopCheck PriceCheck Price

Benchmark Performance

#
Performance
Pentium N3540
1,7975% of 36,991
Core i7-2960XM351% better
8,09822% of 36,991

The Core i7-2960XM has 351% better performance than the Pentium N3540 for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Pentium N3540 is ranked 632nd with a score of 1,797, and the Core i7-2960XM is ranked 306th with a score of 8,098.

Performance per dollar
Pentium N3540
No data available
Core i7-2960XM
7.396% of 121.53

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 0th 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:Pentium N3540 or
CPUBenchmark Performance
Core i5-8259U8,528.5+375%
Core i7-4900MQ8,490+372%
Core i7-2960XM8,098+351%
Core i7-4810MQ8,012+346%
Core i7-4710MQ7,979+344%
A8-74101,835+2%
A6-63101,825+2%
Pentium N35401,797
Core i3-3229Y1,795-0%
Pentium N35201,794-0%

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:Pentium N3540 orCore i7-2960XM
CPUPerformance Per Dollar
Core i7-5650U8.92+21%
Core i7-4940MX8.58+16%
Core i7-840QM8.25+12%
Core i7-5550U8.15+10%
Core i7-4930MX7.96+8%
Core i7-2960XM7.39
Core i7-820QM7.33-1%
Core i7-2920XM7.22-2%
Core m7-6Y756.82-8%

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
BenchmarkPentium N3540Core i7-2960XM
3DMark 11 Performance Physics
1,797
8,098
(+350.64%)
Cinebench R15 Multi-Core
156.5
--
Cinebench R15 Single-Core
42
--
Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core
560
1,963
(+250.54%)
Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core
193
603
(+212.44%)
CPU Mark Multi-Thread
1,209
4,754
(+293.22%)
CPU Mark Single-Thread
712
1,598
(+124.44%)
Benchmarks Source: Notebookcheck

Technical Specs

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Manufacturing Details

Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.

SpecPentium N3540Core i7-2960XM
ManufacturerIntelIntel
Foundry--Intel
Process Size22 nm32 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.

SpecPentium N3540Core i7-2960XM
Series--Core i7 Extreme
Microarchitecture--Sandy Bridge
CodenameBay TrailSandy Bridge
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.

SpecPentium N3540Core i7-2960XM
Cores44
Threads48
Clock Speed2160.0 MHz2.7 GHz
Turbo Clock2660.0 MHz3.7 GHz
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.

SpecPentium N3540Core i7-2960XM
L1 Cache224 KB64 KB
L2 Cache2 MB256 KB
L3 Cache0 MB8 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.

SpecPentium N3540Core i7-2960XM
SocketFCBGA1170Intel Socket G2 (988B)
PCI Express--PCIe 2.0 x16
Thermal Design Power (TDP)7.5 W55 W
TJ Max100 °C100 °C

Graphics, Features, & Extensions

Additional CPU features like its bundled coolers, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.

SpecPentium N3540Core i7-2960XM
Integrated GraphicsIntel HD Graphics for Intel Atom Processor Z3700 SeriesIntel HD 3000
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.