What are the alternatives to the Intel Core i3 Processor i3-540 3.06GHz 4MB LGA1156 CPU BX80616I3540?

Intel Core i3 Processor i3-540 3.06GHz 4MB LGA1156 CPU BX80616I3540 competes with other Retro CPUs products on SpecPicks. Use our Compare tool to view specs side-by-side, or browse the full Retro CPUs category for alternatives.

Intel Core i3 Processor i3-540 3.06GHz 4MB LGA1156 CPU BX80616I3540

Name: Intel Core i3 Processor i3-540 3.06GHz 4MB LGA1156 CPU BX80616I3540
Brand: Unbranded
SKU: B0031M9QZ4
Price: 30.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Mike Perry, Hardware Editor · Verified 2026-09-15

Mike Perry has researched PC hardware since 2014, tracking 80+ GPU generations, 50+ retro handheld platforms, and 30+ vintage PC configurations. He synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides. View full credentials →

$30.00

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🛒 See live eBay price Also on Amazon — View Current Price → Compare to similar retro cpus

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-04-20. Price and availability subject to change.

Bottom line: The Intel Core i3 Processor i3-540 3.06GHz 4MB LGA1156 CPU BX80616I3540 is a specs-and-price decision rather than a crowd-consensus one in the retro cpus category, priced around $30.00. Check the specification table above against one or two close alternatives — on price and spec fit, not on star ratings.

Product DescriptionI3-540 Processor 3.06GHZ 4MB L3CHIPSHARED CACHE,LGA1156Amazon.comThe Intel Core i3-540 Processor brings solid performance, Intel HD Graphics, and innovative Intel technologies to your desktop computer. With two cores running at 3.06 GHz, the Core i3-540 won't have any problems handling your everyday applications. And thanks to the processor's built-in graphics, you won't have to spend extra money on an external video card in order to get a stunning HD visual experience.Multiple Cores for Speedy, Multi-Threaded PerformanceThe Intel Core i3-540 contains two processors, or…

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Intel Core i3 Processor i3-540 3.06GHz 4MB LGA1156 CPU BX80616I3540 using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to our editorial and benchmark analysis across the retro cpus category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the retro cpus category before committing. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for retro cpus of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the Amazon listing before purchase. Prices, stock, and Prime eligibility update directly from Amazon's catalog and may have moved since this page was last verified.

Pros & Cons

Pros

✓ 3.06GHz Clock Speed
✓ Ships via Amazon with Prime eligibility and the standard returns policy

Cons

✗ Confirm socket / form-factor / power-rating compatibility against your build before ordering
✗ Price, stock, and Prime eligibility update from Amazon and may have changed since this page was last verified

Key Features

3.06GHz Clock Speed
Intel HD graphics included
2 cores 4 threads with Intel Hyper-Threading
Socket LGA1156
73watt TDP

Full Specifications

Brand	Intel
Wattage	73
Platform	Windows 10
CPU Model	Core i3
CPU Speed	3.06 GHz
CPU Socket	LGA 1156
Model Number	BX80616I3540
Mfr Part Number	BX80616I3540
Number of Items	1
Processor Brand	Intel
Processor Count	2
Processor Speed	3.06 GHz
Secondary Cache	0.51 MB
CPU Manufacturer	Intel
Item Part Number	BX80616I3540
Processor Series	Core i3
Processor Socket	LGA 1156
Processor Core Count	2
Warranty Description	3 year limited warranty
Cache Memory Installed Size	0.5

Ready to buy?

Intel Core i3 Processor i3-540 3.06GHz 4MB LGA1156 CPU BX80616I3540 is sold on the used and vintage market, where eBay carries the live inventory — Amazon does not stock this part. Prices and condition vary by seller and move in real time, so we link the live listing rather than quote a cached price. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-04-20. Price and availability subject to change.