Athlon II X2 240e vs Core i5-540UM

Athlon II X2 240e vs Core i5-540UM Performance Spectrum

Athlon II X2 240e

2 / 2

1,007

+0.5%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-540UM

2 / 4

1,002

0.0%

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.

Athlon II X2 240e vs Core i5-540UM 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.

Athlon II X2 240e vs Core i5-540UM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Athlon II X2 240e

2009

Why buy it

✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i5-540UM.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $77 MSRP, while Core i5-540UM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌150% higher power demand at 45W vs 18W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-540UM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-540UM

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 18W instead of 45W, a 27W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Athlon II X2 240e needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,002 vs 1,007).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon II X2 240e.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X2 240e better than Core i5-540UM?

Yes. Athlon II X2 240e is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Athlon II X2 240e has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 40% higher max boost clock.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X2 240e is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Athlon II X2 240e is the better buy right now. Athlon II X2 240e comes in at an unclear MSRP at $77 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% higher PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-540UM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X2 240e vs Core i5-540UM Technical Specifications

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

Athlon II X2 240e

The Athlon II X2 240e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,007 points. Launch price was $35.

Core i5-540UM

The Core i5-540UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,002 points. Launch price was $250.

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Processing Power

The Athlon II X2 240e packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-540UM's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Athlon II X2 240e versus 2 GHz on the Core i5-540UM — a 33.3% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 240e (base: 2.8 GHz vs 1.2 GHz). The Athlon II X2 240e uses the Regor (2009−2013) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-540UM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X2 240e scores 1,007 against the Core i5-540UM's 1,002 — a 0.5% lead for the Athlon II X2 240e. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X2 240e vs 3 MB on the Core i5-540UM.

Feature	Athlon II X2 240e	Core i5-540UM
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz+40%	2 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+133%	1.2 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB
L2 Cache	1 MB+100%	512 kB
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Regor (2009−2013)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,007	1,002

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Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X2 240e uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-540UM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Athlon II X2 240e versus 800 on the Core i5-540UM — the Athlon II X2 240e supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X2 240e supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon II X2 240e) vs 16 (Core i5-540UM) — the Core i5-540UM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AM2+,AM3 (Athlon II X2 240e) and HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i5-540UM).

Feature	Athlon II X2 240e	Core i5-540UM
Socket	AM3	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1333+67%	800
Max RAM Capacity	16+100%	8
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. The Core i5-540UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Athlon II X2 240e requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 240e rivals Pentium E5400; Core i5-540UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.