CPUDesktopReleased Jan 7, 2010

Intel Core i3-540

2C/4T · 73 W

Launched next to the i3-530 in January 2010 as the faster of the two original Core i3 desktop models. Like every Clarkdale part it carries two dies in one package, pairing the 32 nm processor with a 45 nm die that holds the memory controller and the graphics. Turbo Boost is reserved for the Core i5 models, so this chip holds a fixed clock.

General

Manufacturer: Intel
Model: Intel Core i3-540
Segment: Desktop
Generation: 1st Gen Core
Codename: —
Architecture: x86_64
Microarchitecture: Clarkdale
Release date: Jan 7, 2010
Price: $133Search on Amazon

Cores & clocks

Cores / threads: 2 cores / 4 threads
Base clock: 3.06 GHz
Boost clock: —
TDP (design W): 73 W
Unlocked: ✕ No
L2 cache: 0.5 MB
L3 cache: 4 MB
Technology (nm): 32 nm

Platform

Socket: FCLGA1156
2-CPU (multi-socket): ✕ No
Integrated GPU: Intel HD Graphics
Clock: 733 MHz
Memory type: DDR3-1066/1333
2-channel
Memory size: Up to 16 GB
ECC memory: ✕ No
PCIe: PCIe 2.0 (16 lanes)

Instructions & AI

Instruction extensions: SSE4.1SSE4.2
NPU: None

OS support

Windows: Windows 10
Linux: UbuntuFedoraArch Linux
Notes: Windows 10 installs and runs on this processor even though the published Microsoft compatibility list only enumerates 5th Gen Core and newer. No Clarkdale processor appears on any Windows 11 supported-processor list, and the LGA 1156 platform has neither TPM 2.0 nor Secure Boot. Microsoft has not published a separate processor list for Windows 11 26H2, so the 25H2 result is carried over here. Current Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch releases still run: Westmere provides SSE4.2 and POPCNT, so it meets the