The Core i7-4790K is at least 2x faster gaming CPU than the Core i3-540, however, it's a slightly worse value for money, as it's $90.55 more expensive!
Advantages of the Core i7-4790K
- At least 2x faster CPU for gaming
- Can execute more multi-threaded tasks simultaneously – 8 vs 4 threads
Advantages of the Core i3-540
- Up to 74% cheaper – $31.53 vs $122.08
- A slightly better value for money for gaming
- Consumes up to 17% less energy – 73 vs 88 Watts
Core i7-4790K vs Core i3-540 for Gaming
The CPU's performance in selected game and settings
Core i7-4790K
May 1st, 2014
Average FPS
186
100%
Min 1% FPS
123
100%
Price, €
€122.08
25%
Value, €/FPS
€0.65/FPS
28%
Core i3-540
Jan 7th, 2010
Average FPS
166
89%
Min 1% FPS
112
91%
Price, €
€31.53
100%
Value, €/FPS
€0.18/FPS
100%
Core i7-4790K vs Core i3-540 in My Games
The FPS you'll get in saved games
The FPS you'll get in saved games
Add a Game
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Synthetic Benchmarks
The Core i7-4790K vs Core i3-540 in synthetic CPU benchmarks
Performance Specifications
The Core i7-4790K vs Core i3-540 in core CPU performance specifications
Core i7-4790K
May 1st, 2014
Cores
4-core
100%
L3 Cache
8 MB
100%
Base Frequency
4 GHz
100%
Turbo Frequency
4.4 GHz
100%
Max. DDR3 RAM Speed
1600 MHz
100%
Core i3-540
Jan 7th, 2010
Cores
2-core
50%
L3 Cache
4 MB
50%
Base Frequency
3.07 GHz
77%
Turbo Frequency
GHz
Max. DDR3 RAM Speed
1333 MHz
83%
Specifications
Comparison of all specifications
Core i7-4790K | SpecificationsComparison of all specifications | Core i3-540 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
May 1st, 2014 | Release Date | Jan 7th, 2010 |
| $350.00 | MSRP | $133.00 |
Desktop | Segment | Desktop |
| Intel Socket 1150 | Socket | Intel Socket 1156 |
| Haswell | Codename | Clarkdale |
| 88 W | Power Consumption | 73 W |
| Performance | ||
4 | Cores | 2 |
8 | Threads | 4 |
4.0 GHz | Base Frequency | 3.1 GHz |
| 4.4 GHz | Turbo Frequency | Non-Turbo |
8 MB | L3 Cache | 4 MB |
| Other Features | ||
| DDR3 @ 1600 MHz | RAM | DDR3 @ 1333 MHz |
| Intel HD 4600 | Integrated Graphics | Intel HD |
Yes | Overclockable | No |
