The Core i7-960 is a faster gaming CPU than the Core i3-540, however, it's a worse value for money, as it's $52.91 more expensive!
Advantages of the Core i7-960
- A faster CPU for gaming
- Can execute more multi-threaded tasks simultaneously – 8 vs 4 threads
Advantages of the Core i3-540
- Up to 35% cheaper – $97.09 vs $150.00
- A better value for money for gaming
- Consumes up to 44% less energy – 73 vs 130 Watts
- Can run games without a dedicated GPU as it has integrated graphics
Core i7-960 vs Core i3-540
The CPU's performance in selected game and settings
Core i3-540
Jan 7th, 2010
Average FPS
180
99%
Min 1% FPS
125
99%
Price, $
$97.09
100%
Value, $/FPS
$0.53/FPS
100%
Synthetic Benchmarks
The Core i7-960 vs Core i3-540 in synthetic CPU benchmarks
Performance Specifications
The Core i7-960 vs Core i3-540 in core CPU performance specifications
Core i7-960
Oct 20th, 2009
Cores
4-core
100%
L3 Cache
8 MB
100%
Base Frequency
3.2 GHz
100%
Turbo Frequency
3.466 GHz
100%
Max. DDR3 RAM Speed
MHz
Core i3-540
Jan 7th, 2010
Cores
2-core
50%
L3 Cache
4 MB
50%
Base Frequency
3.066 GHz
96%
Turbo Frequency
GHz
Max. DDR3 RAM Speed
1333 MHz
100%
Specifications
Comparison of all specifications
Core i7-960 | SpecificationsComparison of all specifications | Core i3-540 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Oct 20th, 2009 | Release Date | Jan 7th, 2010 |
| Not Available | MSRP | $133.00 |
Desktop | Segment | Desktop |
| Intel Socket 1366 | Socket | Intel Socket 1156 |
| Bloomfield | Codename | Clarkdale |
| 130 W | Power Consumption | 73 W |
| Performance | ||
4 | Cores | 2 |
8 | Threads | 4 |
3.2 GHz | Base Frequency | 3.1 GHz |
| 3.5 GHz | Turbo Frequency | Non-Turbo |
8 MB | L3 Cache | 4 MB |
| Other Features | ||
| DDR3 | RAM | DDR3 @ 1333 MHz |
| No | Integrated Graphics | Intel HD |
| No | Overclockable | No |
