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 G4900 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 G4900 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 G4900

2018

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Costs $224 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $266 MSRP).
✅Delivers 537.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 56.4 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $266 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌54.3% higher power demand at 54W vs 35W.

Core i5-2540M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 54W, a 19W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,356 vs 2,370).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.9 vs 56.4 PassMark/$ ($266 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G4900 better than Core i5-2540M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-2540M is ahead with a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Celeron G4900 pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark. Celeron G4900 also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Celeron G4900 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Celeron G4900 is the better buy right now. Celeron G4900 comes in $224 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $266 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-2540M is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 537.1% better value on MSRP (56.4 vs 8.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Celeron G4900 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2011), 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron G4900 vs Core i5-2540M Technical Specifications

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

Celeron G4900

The Celeron G4900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 2,370 points. Launch price was $42.

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 G4900 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-2540M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Celeron G4900 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2540M — a 6.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-2540M (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Celeron G4900 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-2540M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G4900 scores 2,370 against the Core i5-2540M's 2,356 — a 0.6% lead for the Celeron G4900. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Celeron G4900 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2540M.

Feature	Celeron G4900	Core i5-2540M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	3.3 GHz+6%
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+19%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)+100%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,370	2,356
Geekbench 6 Single	850	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,550	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G4900 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 G4900 versus 1333 on the Core i5-2540M — the Celeron G4900 supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G4900 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: H310,B360,B365,H370,Z370,Z390 (Celeron G4900) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2540M).

Feature	Celeron G4900	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 G4900) vs true (Core i5-2540M). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 610 (Celeron G4900) 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 G4900 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G4900 rivals Pentium G5400; Core i5-2540M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.

Feature	Celeron G4900	Core i5-2540M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD 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 G4900 was priced at $42, while the Core i5-2540M came in at $266. On launch pricing ($42 vs $266), Celeron G4900 was $224 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G4900 delivers 56.4 pts/$ vs 8.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-2540M — making the Celeron G4900 the 145.7% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G4900	Core i5-2540M
MSRP	$42-84%	$266
Performance per Dollar	56.4+534%	8.9
Release Date	2018	2011

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