CPU
GPU
Atom Z540
Pentium 4 2.40
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 Atom Z540 is positioned at rank 334 and the Pentium 4 2.40 is on rank 1108, so the Atom Z540 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Atom Z540
Performance Per Dollar Pentium 4 2.40
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom Z540 | Pentium 4 2.40 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($193) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Silverthorne (2008−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (NetBurst (2000−2006) / 90 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom Z540 | Pentium 4 2.40 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($193) |
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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Atom Z540 and Pentium 4 2.40
Atom Z540
The Atom Z540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Silverthorne (2008−2010) architecture. It features 1 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 0.07 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PBGA441. Thermal design power (TDP): 2.4 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 305 points. Launch price was $160.
Pentium 4 2.40
The Pentium 4 2.40 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 110 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 325 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Atom Z540 packs 1 cores / 2 threads, matching the Pentium 4 2.40's 1 cores. Boost clocks reach 0.07 GHz on the Atom Z540 versus 2.4 GHz on the Pentium 4 2.40 — a 188.7% clock advantage for the Pentium 4 2.40. The Atom Z540 uses the Silverthorne (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium 4 2.40 uses NetBurst (2000−2006) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Atom Z540 scores 305 against the Pentium 4 2.40's 325 — a 6.3% lead for the Pentium 4 2.40. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Atom Z540 | Pentium 4 2.40 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 1 / 2 | 1 / 1 |
| Boost Clock | 0.07 GHz | 2.4 GHz+3329% |
| Base Clock | 1.86 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 1 MB+100% |
| Process | 45 nm-50% | 90 nm |
| Architecture | Silverthorne (2008−2010) | NetBurst (2000−2006) |
| PassMark | 305 | 325+7% |
Memory & Platform
The Atom Z540 uses the PBGA441 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium 4 2.40 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-533 on the Atom Z540 versus 400 on the Pentium 4 2.40 — the Pentium 4 2.40 supports 198% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Pentium 4 2.40 supports up to 4 of RAM compared to 2 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 1-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: Intel US15W (Atom Z540) and Socket 478 (Pentium 4 2.40).
| Feature | Atom Z540 | Pentium 4 2.40 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PBGA441 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-533 | 400+19900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2 GB+52428700% | 4 |
| RAM Channels | 1 | 1 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Atom Z540) / false (Pentium 4 2.40).
| Feature | Atom Z540 | Pentium 4 2.40 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | false |
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