A10-9600P vs Core i5-2540M

CPU

GPU

A10-9600P

4 Cores4 Thrd2 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2016

Similar parts

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Core i5-2540M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2011

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A10-9600P vs Core i5-2540M Performance Spectrum

A10-9600P

4 / 4

2,333

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-2540M

2 / 4

2,356

+1.0%

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

A10-9600P vs Core i5-2540M FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A10-9600P vs Core i5-2540M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A10-9600P

2016

Why buy it

✅Costs $138 less on MSRP ($128 MSRP vs $266 MSRP).
✅Delivers 105.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.2 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($128 MSRP vs $266 MSRP).
✅Draws 2W instead of 35W, a 33W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,333 vs 2,356).

Core i5-2540M

2011

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.
✅100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.9 vs 18.2 PassMark/$ ($266 MSRP vs $128 MSRP).
❌1650% higher power demand at 35W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2540M better than A10-9600P?

Yes. Core i5-2540M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2540M is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-2540M is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i5-2540M comes in 107.8% more expensive on MSRP at $266 MSRP versus $128 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. A10-9600P only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A10-9600P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A10-9600P vs Core i5-2540M Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A10-9600P

The A10-9600P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,333 points. Launch price was $130.

Core i5-2540M

The Core i5-2540M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,356 points. Launch price was $266.

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Processing Power

The A10-9600P packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-2540M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A10-9600P has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the A10-9600P versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2540M — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The A10-9600P uses the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i5-2540M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A10-9600P scores 2,333 against the Core i5-2540M's 2,356 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-2540M.

Feature	A10-9600P	Core i5-2540M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.6 GHz+8%
L3 Cache	—	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2048 kB+700%	256K (per core)
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,333	2,356
Geekbench 6 Single	469	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A10-9600P uses the FP4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2540M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-1866 on the A10-9600P versus 1333 on the Core i5-2540M — the A10-9600P supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (A10-9600P) vs 16 (Core i5-2540M) — the Core i5-2540M offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	A10-9600P	Core i5-2540M
Socket	FP4	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-1866+40%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	8	16+100%

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A10-9600P) vs true (Core i5-2540M). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon R5 (A10-9600P) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2540M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-9600P targets Laptop. Direct competitor: A10-9600P rivals Core i3-6006U; Core i5-2540M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.

Feature	A10-9600P	Core i5-2540M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Radeon R5	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	true
Target Use	Laptop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A10-9600P was priced at $128, while the Core i5-2540M came in at $266. On launch pricing ($128 vs $266), A10-9600P was $138 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A10-9600P delivers 18.2 pts/$ vs 8.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-2540M — making the A10-9600P the 69.2% better value option.

Feature	A10-9600P	Core i5-2540M
MSRP	$128-52%	$266
Performance per Dollar	18.2+104%	8.9
Release Date	2016	2011

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