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.

Celeron G3950 vs Core i5-2540M 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.

Celeron G3950 vs Core i5-2540M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G3950

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $214 less on MSRP ($52 MSRP vs $266 MSRP).
✅Delivers 407.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 44.9 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($52 MSRP vs $266 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,336 vs 2,356).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌45.7% higher power demand at 51W vs 35W.

Core i5-2540M

2011

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 51W, a 16W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.9 vs 44.9 PassMark/$ ($266 MSRP vs $52 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2540M better than Celeron G3950?

Yes. Core i5-2540M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-2540M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2540M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core i5-2540M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-2540M comes in 411.5% more expensive on MSRP at $266 MSRP versus $52 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G3950 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 407.2% better value on paper (44.9 vs 8.9 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

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

Celeron G3950 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G3950 vs Core i5-2540M Technical Specifications

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

Celeron G3950

The Celeron G3950 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 2133, DDR3L 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,336 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.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G3950 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-2540M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Celeron G3950 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 Celeron G3950 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-2540M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3950 scores 2,336 against the Core i5-2540M's 2,356 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-2540M. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G3950 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2540M.

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core i5-2540M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.3 GHz+10%
Base Clock	3 GHz+15%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,336	2,356
Geekbench 6 Single	750	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,100	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G3950 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 DDR4-2400 on the Celeron G3950 versus 1333 on the Core i5-2540M — the Celeron G3950 supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3950 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H110,B250,H270,Z270 (Celeron G3950) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2540M).

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core i5-2540M
Socket	LGA1151	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+80%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+300%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G3950) vs true (Core i5-2540M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 610 (Celeron G3950) 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 G3950 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G3950 rivals Pentium G4560; Core i5-2540M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core i5-2540M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 610	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	true
Target Use	Budget	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G3950 was priced at $52, while the Core i5-2540M came in at $266. On launch pricing ($52 vs $266), Celeron G3950 was $214 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3950 delivers 44.9 pts/$ vs 8.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-2540M — making the Celeron G3950 the 134.1% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core i5-2540M
MSRP	$52-80%	$266
Performance per Dollar	44.9+404%	8.9
Release Date	2017	2011

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