Intel Core i3-2100 vs Intel Core i3-540

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CPU comparison with benchmarks

-VS-

CPU lineage

Intel Core i3-2100 or Intel Core i3-2100 – which processor offers superior performance? In this comparison, we examine disparities and assess which of these two CPUs outperforms the other. We delve into technical specifications and benchmark outcomes.
The Intel Core i3-2100 features 2 processor cores and has the capability to manage 4 threads concurrently.
It was released in Q1/2011 and belongs to the 2 generation of the Intel Core i3 series.
To use the Intel Core i3-2100, you'll need a motherboard with a LGA 1155 socket.
The Intel Core i3-540 features 2 processor cores and has the capability to manage 4 threads concurrently.
It was released in Q1/2010 and belongs to the 1 generation of the Intel Core i3 series.
To use the Intel Core i3-540, you'll need a motherboard with a LGA 1156 socket.
Desktop / Server Segment Desktop / Server
2 Generation 1
Intel Core i3 Family Intel Core i3
Intel Core i 2000 Group Intel Core i3 500
Intel Core i3-2100 Name Intel Core i3-540
 
 

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

The Intel Core i3-2100 has 2 CPU cores and can calculate 4 threads in parallel.
The clock frequency of the Intel Core i3-2100 is 3.1 GHz
The Intel Core i3-540 has 2 CPU cores and can calculate 4 threads in parallel.
The clock frequency of the Intel Core i3-540 is 3.06 GHz
4 Threads 4
normal Core architecture normal
Yes Hyperthreading Yes
2 CPU Cores 2
2x Cores 2x
No Overclocking No
3.1 GHz Frequency 3.06 GHz
 
 

Internal Graphics

The Intel Core i3-2100 has integrated graphics, called iGPU for short.
Specifically, the Intel Core i3-2100 uses the Intel HD Graphics 2000, which has 48 texture shaders
and 6 execution units.
The iGPU uses the system's main memory as graphics memory and sits on the processor's die.
The Intel Core i3-540 has integrated graphics, called iGPU for short.
Specifically, the Intel Core i3-540 uses the Intel HD Graphics (Westmere), which has 24 texture shaders
and 12 execution units.
6 Generation 5
48 Shaders 24
-- Max. displays --
0.85 GHz GPU frequency 0.5 GHz
1.1 GHz GPU (Turbo) 0.73 GHz
6 Execution units 12
2.0 GB Max. GPU Memory 2.0 GB
10.1 Direct X 10.1
32 nm Technology 32 nm
Intel HD Graphics 2000 GPU name Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)
Q1/2011 Release date Q1/2010
 
 

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

-- AI specifications --
-- AI hardware --
 
 

Hardware codec support

A photo or video codec that is accelerated in hardware can greatly accelerate the working speed of a processor and extend the battery life of notebooks or smartphones when playing videos.
Decode / Encode AVC Decode
No AV1 No
No VP8 No
No JPEG No
Decode / Encode h264 Decode
No h265 / HEVC (10 bit) No
No h265 / HEVC (8 bit) No
No VP9 No
Decode VC-1 No
 
 

Memory & PCIe

The processor supports a maximum memory capacity of 32.0 GB distributed across 2 memory channels. It offers a peak memory bandwidth of 21.3 GB/s. Both the type and quantity of memory can have a substantial impact on the overall system performance.
The processor supports a maximum memory capacity of 16.0 GB distributed across 2 memory channels. It offers a peak memory bandwidth of 21.0 GB/s. Both the type and quantity of memory can have a substantial impact on the overall system performance.
32.0 GB Max. Memory 16.0 GB
2 Memory channels 2
pci PCIe pci
DDR3-1333 Memory type DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333
Yes AES-NI No
No ECC Yes
21.3 GB/s Bandwidth 21.0 GB/s
 
 

Thermal Management

The processor has a thermal design power (TDP) of 65 W watts.
TDP indicates the cooling solution needed to effectively manage the processor's heat. It generally provides an approximate indication of the actual power consumption of the CPU itself.
The processor has a thermal design power (TDP) of 73 W watts.
-- Tjunction max --
65 W TDP (PL1 / PBP) 73 W
 
 

Technical details

The Intel Core i3-2100 is manufactured using a 32 nm process.
A smaller manufacturing process indicates a more contemporary and energy-efficient CPU.
In total, this processor boasts a generous 3.0 MB cache.
A substantial cache can significantly enhance the processor's performance, particularly in scenarios like gaming.
The Intel Core i3-540 is manufactured using a 32 nm process.
In total, this processor boasts a generous 4.0 MB cache.
-- Part Number --
LGA 1155 Socket LGA 1156
120 $ Release price 117 $
Technical data sheet Documents Technical data sheet
512.0 KB L2-Cache 512.0 KB
Windows 10, Linux Operating systems Windows 10, Linux
x86-64 (64 bit) Instruction set (ISA) x86-64 (64 bit)
Monolithic Chip design Monolithic
SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX ISA extensions SSE4.1, SSE4.2
VT-x, VT-x EPT Virtualization VT-x, VT-x EPT
Sandy Bridge S Architecture Clarkdale
3.0 MB L3-Cache 4.0 MB
32 nm Technology 32 nm
Q1/2011 Release date Q1/2010