CPU
GPU
Athlon II X3 440
Celeron M 540
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 Athlon II X3 440 is positioned at rank 722 and the Celeron M 540 is on rank 873, so the Athlon II X3 440 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon II X3 440
Performance Per Dollar Celeron M 540
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon II X3 440 | Celeron M 540 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Rana (2009−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon II X3 440 | Celeron M 540 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+100%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
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 Athlon II X3 440 and Celeron M 540
Athlon II X3 440
The Athlon II X3 440 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Rana (2009−2011) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,743 points. Launch price was $47.
Celeron M 540
The Celeron M 540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.86 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,744 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Athlon II X3 440 packs 3 cores / 3 threads, while the Celeron M 540 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Athlon II X3 440 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Athlon II X3 440 versus 1.86 GHz on the Celeron M 540 — a 46.9% clock advantage for the Athlon II X3 440. The Athlon II X3 440 uses the Rana (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Celeron M 540 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X3 440 scores 1,743 against the Celeron M 540's 1,744 — a 0.1% lead for the Celeron M 540.
| Feature | Athlon II X3 440 | Celeron M 540 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 3 / 3+200% | 1 / 1 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz+61% | 1.86 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | — |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 1 MB+100% |
| Process | 45 nm-31% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Rana (2009−2011) | Merom (2006−2008) |
| PassMark | 1,743 | 1,744 |
Memory & Platform
Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X3 440 versus 667 on the Celeron M 540 — the Celeron M 540 supports 198.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X3 440 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 4 — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM3 (Athlon II X3 440) and GL960,GM965 (Celeron M 540).
| Feature | Athlon II X3 440 | Celeron M 540 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3 | — |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 667+22133% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+838860700% | 4 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Athlon II X3 440) / false (Celeron M 540). Direct competitor: Celeron M 540 rivals Mobile Sempron 3600+.
| Feature | Athlon II X3 440 | Celeron M 540 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | false |
Value Analysis
The Athlon II X3 440 launched at $75 MSRP, while the Celeron M 540 debuted at $86. At current prices ($10 vs $20), the Athlon II X3 440 is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X3 440 delivers 174.3 pts/$ vs 87.2 pts/$ for the Celeron M 540 — making the Athlon II X3 440 the 66.6% better value option.
| Feature | Athlon II X3 440 | Celeron M 540 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $75-13% | $86 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10-50% | $20 |
| Performance per Dollar | 174.3+100% | 87.2 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2007 |
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