CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3340M vs Core i7-3540M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3340M is a dual-core, quad-thread Ivy Bridge mobile processor in a socketed FC-PGA12F package for Intel Socket G2, offering 2.7 GHz base and 3.4 GHz turbo clocks with Intel HD 4000 graphics and TXT security, representing one of the fastest dual-core mobile CPUs of its generation.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
The 3.4 GHz turbo provides a small but noticeable improvement over the i5-3230M in single-threaded tasks.
Gaming
HD 4000 at 1250 MHz turbo is slightly better than lower-clocked variants but still only suitable for very old games.
Virtualization
Full VT-x, VT-d, and TXT support make this well-equipped for enterprise virtualization scenarios within its two-core limit.
Efficiency
Standard 35 W mobile power consumption, identical to other Ivy Bridge dual-core parts.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- No AVX2 instruction support
- Completely unsuitable for AI workloads
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Content Creation
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Gaming
- HD 4000 at 1250 MHz turbo is the best integrated graphics in the Ivy Bridge dual-core lineup
- Still fundamentally limited for any modern gaming
- Can handle older titles like Minecraft and Source engine games at low settings better than lower-clocked variants
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Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Highest turbo frequency (3.4 GHz) of any socketed Ivy Bridge dual-core
- TXT Trusted Execution Technology for enterprise security
- Higher HD 4000 turbo (1250 MHz) than i5-3230M
- Socket G2 allows drop-in upgrades from Sandy Bridge
- Complete enterprise feature set: VT-x, VT-d, TXT, AES-NI
Cons
- Still only two cores, fundamentally limiting for modern workloads
- No AVX2 instruction support
- 35 W TDP constrains thin laptop designs
- Socket G2 platform is dead with no further upgrade path
- Quad-core i7 upgrades may offer better value on the same platform
Pros
- High 3.0 GHz base clock
- Available in socketed design for upgrades
- Excellent single-threaded performance
- Supports VT-d for virtualization
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores
- 35W TDP limits battery life compared to U-series
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- HD 4000 graphics are weak for gaming
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-3340M
- AMD A10-4655MRival
Mobile ULV
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-3520MRival
Mobile Performance
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3365MRival
Mobile BGA
- AMD A8-4500MRival
Mobile Value
- Intel Core i7-3612QMAlt
Quad-core upgrade for Socket G2 that dramatically outperforms the i5-3340M in multi-threaded tasks at the same 35 W TDP.
Lower-cost dual-core alternative with only slightly lower clocks (2.6/3.2 GHz vs 2.7/3.4 GHz).
Compare head-to-head
Core i7-3540M
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3520MRival
Mainstream Mobile
- AMD A8-4500MRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3340MRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4600MRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3612QMAlt
True quad-core alternative for heavy multitasking.
Our Verdict on Each
The i5-3340M was the fastest dual-core Ivy Bridge mobile processor available in a socketed package, making it the ultimate upgrade for Socket G2 laptops. While thoroughly obsolete for modern use, it remains the best drop-in option for extending older business laptops.
Best for: As the final CPU upgrade for a Socket G2 laptop, providing the maximum possible dual-core performance on that platform.
Read the full reviewA very fast dual-core mobile CPU for 2013, offering excellent single-threaded burst performance, but its lack of physical cores limits modern multi-tasking.
Best for: Upgrading an old Socket G2 laptop for cheap
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-3340M or Core i7-3540M?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-3540M comes out ahead with a score of 6.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-3340M or Core i7-3540M?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3340M leads with a gaming performance score of 22/100 among Intel Core i5-3340M and Core i7-3540M.
Do Intel Core i5-3340M and Core i7-3540M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-3340M: Intel Socket G2 (988B), Core i7-3540M: Socket G2 (988B) / BGA 1023), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-3340M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-3340M (2,000), Core i7-3540M (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.