A8-3870K vs Core i5-2540M
A8-3870K
Core i5-2540M
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The A8-3870K is positioned at rank 502 and the Core i5-2540M is on rank 8, so the Core i5-2540M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A8-3870K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2540M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A8-3870K | Core i5-2540M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A8-3870K | Core i5-2540M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of A8-3870K and Core i5-2540M
A8-3870K
The A8-3870K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,360 points. Launch price was $90.
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.
Processing Power
The A8-3870K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-2540M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-3870K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the A8-3870K versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2540M — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-2540M (base: 3 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The A8-3870K uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-2540M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A8-3870K scores 2,360 against the Core i5-2540M's 2,356 — a 0.2% lead for the A8-3870K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-3870K vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2540M.
| Feature | A8-3870K | Core i5-2540M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 3.3 GHz+10% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+15% | 2.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core)+300% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Llano (2011−2012) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,360 | 2,356 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 380 | — |
Memory & Platform
The A8-3870K uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-2540M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the A8-3870K versus 1333 on the Core i5-2540M — the Core i5-2540M supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-3870K supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (A8-3870K) vs 16 (Core i5-2540M) — the A8-3870K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75 (A8-3870K) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2540M).
| Feature | A8-3870K | Core i5-2540M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FM1 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1866 | 1333+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+209715100% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the A8-3870K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A8-3870K) vs true (Core i5-2540M). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 6550D (A8-3870K) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2540M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3870K targets Budget Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-3870K rivals Core i3-2125; Core i5-2540M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.
| Feature | A8-3870K | Core i5-2540M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 6550D | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | true |
| Target Use | Budget Gaming Desktop | — |
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