The Core i9-12900K 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 $216.04 more expensive!
Advantages of the Core i9-12900K
- At least 2x faster CPU for gaming
- A much better value for money for gaming
- Can execute more multi-threaded tasks simultaneously – 24 vs 4 threads
Advantages of the Core i3-540
- Up to 69% cheaper – $98.95 vs $314.99
- Consumes up to 42% less energy – 73 vs 125 Watts
Core i9-12900K vs Core i3-540 for Gaming
The CPU's performance in selected game and settings
Core i9-12900K
Nov 4th, 2021
Average FPS
213
100%
Min 1% FPS
140
100%
Price, $
$314.99
31%
Value, $/FPS
$1.47/FPS
40%
Core i3-540
Jan 7th, 2010
Average FPS
166
78%
Min 1% FPS
112
80%
Price, $
$98.95
100%
Value, $/FPS
$0.59/FPS
100%
Core i9-12900K 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
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Synthetic Benchmarks
The Core i9-12900K vs Core i3-540 in synthetic CPU benchmarks
Performance Specifications
The Core i9-12900K vs Core i3-540 in core CPU performance specifications
Core i9-12900K
Nov 4th, 2021
Cores
16-core
100%
L3 Cache
30 MB
100%
Base Frequency
3.2 GHz
100%
Turbo Frequency
5.2 GHz
100%
Max. DDR5 RAM Speed
4800 MHz
100%
Core i3-540
Jan 7th, 2010
Cores
2-core
12%
L3 Cache
4 MB
13%
Base Frequency
3.07 GHz
96%
Turbo Frequency
GHz
Max. DDR3 RAM Speed
1333 MHz
28%
Specifications
Comparison of all specifications
Core i9-12900K | SpecificationsComparison of all specifications | Core i3-540 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
Nov 4th, 2021 | Release Date | Jan 7th, 2010 |
| $599.00 | MSRP | $133.00 |
Desktop | Segment | Desktop |
| Intel Socket 1700 | Socket | Intel Socket 1156 |
| Alder Lake | Codename | Clarkdale |
| 125 W | Power Consumption | 73 W |
| Performance | ||
16 | Cores | 2 |
24 | Threads | 4 |
3.2 GHz | Base Frequency | 3.1 GHz |
| 5.2 GHz | Turbo Frequency | Non-Turbo |
30 MB | L3 Cache | 4 MB |
| Other Features | ||
| DDR4 @ 3200 MHz, DDR5 @ 4800 MHz | RAM | DDR3 @ 1333 MHz |
| UHD Graphics 770 | Integrated Graphics | Intel HD |
Yes | Overclockable | No |
