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

Bottom line: The Intel Core i3 Processor i3-540 3.06GHz 4MB LGA1156 CPU BX80616I3540: 2 cores, 4 threads via Hyper-Threading for smoother multitasking; main trade-off: only 2 physical cores; heavy multithreaded workloads will bog down.

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By Mike Perry, Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated 2026-10-30

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. About the author →

Pros & Cons

Pros

✓ 2 cores, 4 threads via Hyper-Threading for smoother multitasking
✓ 3.06GHz clock speed handles office work, browsing and retro-era games
✓ Intel HD Graphics built in, so no discrete video card is required
✓ 4MB shared L3 cache helps keep both cores fed
✓ Drop-in upgrade path for existing LGA1156 motherboards

Cons

✗ Only 2 physical cores; heavy multithreaded workloads will bog down
✗ LGA1156 socket limits you to older, discontinued motherboards
✗ 73W TDP is high for a dual-core chip; plan cooling accordingly
✗ Integrated Intel HD Graphics is not suited to modern 3D gaming

Manufacturer description

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 published specs and reviews 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 retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

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

Benchmark data for other processors

Ready to buy?

Intel Core i3 Processor i3-540 3.06GHz 4MB LGA1156 CPU BX80616I3540 is vintage hardware; the used and vintage market on eBay carries most of the live inventory. Prices and condition vary by seller and move in real time, so we link the live listing rather than quote a cached price. It also has an Amazon listing — check it for current price and availability. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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