The perfect combination of price and performance - all this rightly applies to the Intel Pentium N3540. This chip is an energy-efficient solution and is aimed at using entry-level laptops and netbooks. It is about its capabilities that will be discussed later.
Chip niche
This processor solution belongs to the Bay Trail platform and is based on the Silvermont architecture. First of all, these chips boast a high degree of energy efficiency. Low power consumption allows these central processors to greatly save the battery life of the mobile device. This, in turn, allows owners of devices based on this semiconductor crystal to work on such a laptop or netbook for a long time without recharging. The second important feature of such a CPU is its low price. Therefore, this processor is focused on inexpensive laptops and netbooks with a good degree of autonomy. Well, the performance of this CPU series is very low. It is enough only for watching videos, surfing Internet resources, office applications and simple games. But demanding graphics packages and three-dimensional games on such a hardware basis will definitely not work.
Processor socket for this semiconductor solution
Like all modern solutions sent to the Bay Trail platform, Pentium N3540 is designed for installation in the processor socket FCBGA1170. This is the main socket for entry-level mobile PCs from Intel. It should be noted right away that, as a rule, there is no possibility of upgrading (replacing) the CPU in this case. The chip is simply soldered into the motherboard, and it is already impossible to remove it after that without special equipment.
Technological features of the manufacture of this silicon crystal
Far from the most advanced technological process, Intel Pentium N3540 is manufactured. Specifications indicate the use of 22nm technology. That is, in this case, the so-called three-dimensional transistors are used. But outdated this process is impossible. For comparison: the most productive solutions of the same segment from AMD, a direct competitor of Intel, are manufactured using the 28-nm process technology. As a result, they are larger in size, thermal capacity is also greater and energy efficiency is much worse.
Cache
Truncated cache in Intel Pentium N3540. Characteristics distinguish the absence of a 3rd level cache. This nuance, on the one hand, reduces the size of the semiconductor chip for this chip, improves the energy efficiency of the processor and reduces its cost. But at the same time, performance βsuffersβ greatly, the level of which, due to this, drops significantly. The size of the cache in the second level is 2 MB, and the first - 224 KB. These values ββare quite enough to solve most problems. The exception in this regard are graphics packages and three-dimensional toys, which without fail require a three-level cache.
RAM for this CPU
The RAM controller for this chip is dual-channel. That is, in this case it is better to use an even number of modules (2 or 4). This allows, albeit slightly, but nevertheless to increase productivity and speed. Its maximum throughput is 21 Gb / s. The maximum amount of addressable memory is 8 GB. The controller itself can only work with DDR3L memory and with a frequency of 1333 MHz. Any other modules are not recommended for use in such laptops and netbooks - the device may break down without the possibility of restoration of operability in the future.
Thermal pack
One of the main advantages of the Intel Pentium N3540 is the thermal package, which is equal to 7.5 watts. Even for a mobile 4-core processor, this is phenomenal. It is due to this thermal package that the high autonomy of mobile PCs based on it is ensured. On the other hand, 7.5 watts make it possible to use an economical cooling system in such laptops and netbooks. And this, in turn, significantly reduces the cost of the final device and increases its reliability (the possibility of CPU overheating is practically absent).
Frequency formula
The minimum frequency for this semiconductor chip is 2.16 GHz. But its greatest value is 2.66 GHz. The frequency value changes dynamically depending on the degree of complexity of the task performed on the Intel Pentium N3540. Reviews they also distinguish excellent energy efficiency of mobile computers based on this processor solution due to such a frequency adjustment of the CPU.
Architectural features
The special Hyper-Trading technology, which allows to double the number of computational threads at the program level, is not available in the Intel Pentium N3540. Therefore, in this case, the number of physical cores is equal to the number of threads, that is 4. At the same time, as noted earlier, if necessary, idle modules are disabled.
Graphics subsystem
The integrated graphics accelerator Intel HD Graphics. Pentium N3540 for this reason can display the image directly on 2 displays. The frequency range of this graphic solution is 300-890 MHz. For some demanding tasks, the capabilities of this video accelerator are clearly not enough. Well, simple ones will go on it without any problems.
Overclocking
The Intel Pentium N3540 processor comes with a locked multiplier and is not intended for overclocking. But still such an opportunity exists. But the gain from increasing the frequency will not be very noticeable. But on the other hand, a weak cooling system in entry-level mobile PCs can lead to the failure of a laptop or netbook during overclocking. It is impossible to repair it; after that you will have to buy a new such computer. And the overclocking order for a CPU with a locked multiplier in this case is as follows:
We install specialized application software to check system parameters and stability of its operation.
We reboot the PC and go into the BIOS.
We reduce the frequencies of all components of a mobile computer, except for the system bus. We increase its frequency by 5 MHz. We save the changes and reboot the mobile PC.
We check its stability and parameters. If you have problems with stability, then go back to the BIOS and reduce the frequency by 2-3 MHz.
This overclocking will definitely not give a significant gain in performance. Can completely disable a PC. So to do overclocking on such a computer is only possible in extreme cases.
Price
Intel processor solutions have a very high cost. The Pentium N3540 is no exception. The manufacturer himself sells this chip for $ 160. But a turnkey solution based on it can be bought for 380-400 dollars. This price is valid for 15.6-inch models. If we take it with smaller dimensions (11.6-13.3 inches), then this value will decrease even more - to 320-350 dollars.
User reviews
Intel Pentium N3540 cannot have any serious minuses. Reviews provide an affordable price that compensates for any shortcoming. But the advantages of this chip are:
High degree of energy efficiency and autonomy.
Low price and availability.
The ability to solve most everyday tasks.
To summarize
Intel Pentium N3540 It turned out to be a balanced and affordable solution that allows you to create great entry-level mobile PCs based on it. This is a great solution for those who need autonomy and energy efficiency, but the level of performance is not so critical. In this case, on such a laptop or netbook, you can run the most popular applications: browser, office, video player and music player.