The Core i7-990X is a much faster gaming CPU than the Core i3-540, however, it's a worse value for money, as it's $79.07 more expensive!
Advantages of the Core i7-990X
- A much faster CPU for gaming
- Can execute more multi-threaded tasks simultaneously – 12 vs 4 threads
Advantages of the Core i3-540
- Up to 44% cheaper – $98.95 vs $178.02
- 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 i7-990X vs Core i3-540 for Gaming
The CPU's performance in selected game and settings
Core i7-990X
Feb 24th, 2011
Average FPS
169
100%
Min 1% FPS
113
100%
Price, $
$178.02
55%
Value, $/FPS
$1.05/FPS
56%
Core i3-540
Jan 7th, 2010
Average FPS
166
98%
Min 1% FPS
112
99%
Price, $
$98.95
100%
Value, $/FPS
$0.59/FPS
100%
Core i7-990X 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
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Synthetic Benchmarks
The Core i7-990X vs Core i3-540 in synthetic CPU benchmarks
Performance Specifications
The Core i7-990X vs Core i3-540 in core CPU performance specifications
Core i7-990X
Feb 24th, 2011
Cores
6-core
100%
L3 Cache
12 MB
100%
Base Frequency
3.47 GHz
100%
Turbo Frequency
3.73 GHz
100%
Max. DDR3 RAM Speed
MHz
Core i3-540
Jan 7th, 2010
Cores
2-core
33%
L3 Cache
4 MB
33%
Base Frequency
3.07 GHz
88%
Turbo Frequency
GHz
Max. DDR3 RAM Speed
1333 MHz
100%
Specifications
Comparison of all specifications
Core i7-990X | SpecificationsComparison of all specifications | Core i3-540 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
Feb 24th, 2011 | Release Date | Jan 7th, 2010 |
| Not Available | MSRP | $133.00 |
Desktop | Segment | Desktop |
| Intel Socket 1366 | Socket | Intel Socket 1156 |
| Gulftown | Codename | Clarkdale |
| 130 W | Power Consumption | 73 W |
| Performance | ||
6 | Cores | 2 |
12 | Threads | 4 |
3.5 GHz | Base Frequency | 3.1 GHz |
| 3.7 GHz | Turbo Frequency | Non-Turbo |
12 MB | L3 Cache | 4 MB |
| Other Features | ||
| DDR3 | RAM | DDR3 @ 1333 MHz |
| No | Integrated Graphics | Intel HD |
Yes | Overclockable | No |
