Product Comparison: Intel Core i3-540 vs Intel Core i5-680


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General Specifications
Brand
Intel
Intel
Model
Core i3-540
Core i5-680
Origin
Costa Rica
Costa Rica
About the Product
The Intel Core i3-540 processor has a clock speed of 3.06GHz and can be an excellent basis for a fast and productive PC. This processor supports Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD, which delivers high quality HD video playback. The CPU has a 4MB memory cache. It works well for everyday tasks.
The Intel Core i5 680 processor has 2 cores, the number of threads is 4, and is produced using a 32 nm process technology. Hyper-Threading technology improves the performance of multi-threaded applications and games. The base frequency of the cores is 3.6 GHz, the maximum is 3.86 GHz.
Package Size
Height
5.69 in.
5.5 in.
Width
5.03 in.
5.07 in.
Depth
3.17 in.
3.19 in.
Weight
0.9 lbs.
0.85 lbs.

Intel Core i3-540

Intel Core i5-680

Intel Core i3-540

Intel Core i5-680

Intel Core i3-540

Intel Core i5-680

Details
Socket
FCLGA1156
FCLGA1156
Lithography
32 nm
32 nm
Type of Processors
Desktop
Desktop
Code Name
Clarkdale
Clarkdale
What customers say about "Details"
Intel Core i3-540 CPU Processor
  • Easy to install and instructions are simple. I love this processor.
  • Easy to install. Convenient socket for installation.
  • It was very easy to install. I did it myself in a few minutes.
  • Installation was pretty easy. Nice socket 1156.
  • Really good processor that is easy to install on the motherboard.
Intel Core i5-680 CPU Processor
  • Installation was a breeze, good product from Intel.
  • The installation went quickly. Convenient socket, good quality.
  • Nice socket 1156, easy to install cpu. I did it in 5 minutes.
  • Installed on two motherboards and the processor did not work.
  • Socket 1156 motherboards are hard to find now.
Technical Specifications
CPU Cores
2
2
CPU Threads
4
4
Clock Speed
3.06 GHz
3.6 GHz
Max TDP
73 W
73 W
Max Temperature
72.6 °C
72.6 °C
Data Width
64 bits
64 bits
Virtualization Technology
Yes
Yes
Turbo Clock Speed
3.86 GHz

Intel Core i3-540

Intel Core i5-680

Intel Core i3-540

Intel Core i5-680

Intel Core i3-540

Intel Core i5-680

Intel Core i3-540

Intel Core i5-680

Intel Core i3-540

Intel Core i5-680

What customers say about "Technical Specifications"
Intel Core i3-540 CPU Processor
  • This overclocks well. I got it up to 3.8GHz with the stock cooler never reaching about 75C.
  • This is an excellent choice for people that use a computer for light to moderate gaming or multitasking.
  • The CPU is fast at a good price and the integrated graphics controller works well.
  • With a good fan, I managed to overclock it to 4.4GHz.
  • Keep in mind that this is an old processor. Now I need a more powerful one.
Intel Core i5-680 CPU Processor
  • Great processor. The fastest there is for single apps.
  • A good CPU with a built-in graphics core and excellent clock speed.
  • Overclocked the processor to 3.6GHz. Good quality, fast.
  • Very reliable and fast processor. It has been working for several years.
  • This is already a rather weak processor for games where multi-threaded processes are involved.
Cache And Memory Specifications
L1 Cache Size
128 kB
128 kB
L2 Cache Size
512 kB
512 kB
L3 Cache Size
4000 kB
4000 kB
Max Memory Size
16.38 GB
16.6 GB
Memory Types
DDR3
DDR3
Max Memory Channels
2
2
Max Memory Bandwidth
21 GB/s
21 GB/s

Intel Core i3-540

Intel Core i5-680

Intel Core i3-540

Intel Core i5-680

What customers say about "Cache And Memory Specifications"
Intel Core i3-540 CPU Processor
  • I installed this processor with DDR3 memory. It works stably.
  • The chip is quite powerful and works with 8GB of RAM without problems.
  • I love everything about this chip. The cache memory is excellent.
  • With DDR3 1333 8GB the chip works fine. I advised him to friends.
  • I have been using it for 4 years. The 4MB cache is good, I'm happy.
Intel Core i5-680 CPU Processor
  • Works well with my 8GB RAM. I've always loved Intel processors.
  • This processor has a good cache size, 4MB is enough.
  • DDR3 works well with the memory type, I have been using it for several years.
  • At first I had 4GB of RAM then changed to 8GB. The process is doing well.
  • It has a good cache size and all applications are fast.
Graphics Specifications
DirectX* Support
10.1
10.1
Graphics Base Frequency
733 MHz
733 MHz
Processor Graphics
Intel HD Graphics for Previous Generation
Intel HD Graphics for Previous Generation

Intel Core i3-540

Intel Core i5-680

Supported Technologies
Execute Disable Bit / Virus Protection
Yes
Yes
Turbo Boost / Turbo Core
No
Yes
Enhanced SpeedStep / PowerNow!
Yes
Yes
Hyper-Threading / HyperTransport
Yes
Yes
Warranty / Certifications
Manufacturer Warranty
3 year(s)
3 year(s)
Certifications
CE, FCC
CE, FCC
Other Information
Manufacturer


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