CPU
GPU
Celeron G3920
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 Celeron G3920 is positioned at rank 364 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 Celeron G3920
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2540M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Celeron G3920 | Core i5-2540M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Celeron G3920 | Core i5-2540M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+200%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) | ✅ More affordable ($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 Celeron G3920 and Core i5-2540M
Celeron G3920
The Celeron G3920 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,358 points. Launch price was $52.
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 Celeron G3920 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-2540M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Celeron G3920 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2540M — a 12.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-2540M (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Celeron G3920 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-2540M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3920 scores 2,358 against the Core i5-2540M's 2,356 — a 0.1% lead for the Celeron G3920. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Celeron G3920 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2540M.
| Feature | Celeron G3920 | Core i5-2540M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.3 GHz+14% |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz+12% | 2.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total)+33% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,358 | 2,356 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 699 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 948 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Celeron G3920 uses the LGA1151 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 DDR4-2133 on the Celeron G3920 versus 1333 on the Core i5-2540M — the Core i5-2540M supports 198.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3920 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H110,B150,H170,Z170 (Celeron G3920) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2540M).
| Feature | Celeron G3920 | Core i5-2540M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | 1333+33225% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+419430300% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G3920) vs true (Core i5-2540M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 510 (Celeron G3920) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2540M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3920 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G3920 rivals Pentium G4400; Core i5-2540M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.
| Feature | Celeron G3920 | Core i5-2540M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 510 | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Budget | — |
Value Analysis
The Celeron G3920 launched at $40 MSRP, while the Core i5-2540M debuted at $266. At current prices ($30 vs $10), the Core i5-2540M is $20 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3920 delivers 78.6 pts/$ vs 235.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-2540M — making the Core i5-2540M the 99.9% better value option.
| Feature | Celeron G3920 | Core i5-2540M |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $40-85% | $266 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30 | $10-67% |
| Performance per Dollar | 78.6 | 235.6+200% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2011 |
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