The Core i7-12700KF is a clear winner – it's at least 2x faster gaming CPU than the Core i3-540 and it's also a much better value for money, as it's only $80.18 more expensive!
Advantages of the Core i7-12700KF
- At least 2x faster CPU for gaming
- A much better value for money for gaming
- Can execute more multi-threaded tasks simultaneously – 20 vs 4 threads
Advantages of the Core i3-540
- Up to 47% cheaper – $89.14 vs $169.32
- Consumes up to 42% less energy – 73 vs 125 Watts
- Can run games without a dedicated GPU as it has integrated graphics
Core i7-12700KF vs Core i3-540 for Gaming
The CPU's performance in selected game and settings
Core i7-12700KF
Nov 4th, 2021
Average FPS
210
100%
Min 1% FPS
138
100%
Price, €
€169.32
52%
Value, €/FPS
€0.8/FPS
66%
Core i3-540
Jan 7th, 2010
Average FPS
166
79%
Min 1% FPS
112
81%
Price, €
€89.14
100%
Value, €/FPS
€0.53/FPS
100%
Core i7-12700KF vs Core i3-540 in My Games
The FPS you'll get in saved games, click on a game to change it
The FPS you'll get in saved games, click on a game to change it
Add a Game
Select Settings
Synthetic Benchmarks
The Core i7-12700KF vs Core i3-540 in synthetic CPU benchmarks
Performance Specifications
The Core i7-12700KF vs Core i3-540 in core CPU performance specifications
Core i7-12700KF
Nov 4th, 2021
Cores
12-core
100%
L3 Cache
25 MB
100%
Base Frequency
3.6 GHz
100%
Turbo Frequency
5 GHz
100%
Max. DDR5 RAM Speed
4800 MHz
100%
Core i3-540
Jan 7th, 2010
Cores
2-core
17%
L3 Cache
4 MB
16%
Base Frequency
3.07 GHz
85%
Turbo Frequency
GHz
Max. DDR3 RAM Speed
1333 MHz
28%
Specifications
Comparison of all specifications
Core i7-12700KF | SpecificationsComparison of all specifications | Core i3-540 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
Nov 4th, 2021 | Release Date | Jan 7th, 2010 |
| $384.00 | MSRP | $133.00 |
Desktop | Segment | Desktop |
| Intel Socket 1700 | Socket | Intel Socket 1156 |
| Alder Lake | Codename | Clarkdale |
| 125 W | Power Consumption | 73 W |
| Performance | ||
12 | Cores | 2 |
20 | Threads | 4 |
3.6 GHz | Base Frequency | 3.1 GHz |
| 5.0 GHz | Turbo Frequency | Non-Turbo |
25 MB | L3 Cache | 4 MB |
| Other Features | ||
| DDR4 @ 3200 MHz, DDR5 @ 4800 MHz | RAM | DDR3 @ 1333 MHz |
| No | Integrated Graphics | Intel HD |
Yes | Overclockable | No |
