Core i3-3240 vs Core i5-2540M

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.

Core i3-3240 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.

Core i3-3240 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.

Core i3-3240

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $134 less on MSRP ($132 MSRP vs $266 MSRP).
✅Delivers 101.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.8 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($132 MSRP vs $266 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,352 vs 2,356).
❌57.1% higher power demand at 55W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2540M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-2540M

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 35W instead of 55W, a 20W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core i3-3240 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.9 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($266 MSRP vs $132 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3240 better than Core i5-2540M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-3240 is ahead with a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2540M pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.

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 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3240 is the better buy right now. Core i3-3240 comes in $134 cheaper on MSRP at $132 MSRP versus $266 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-2540M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 101.2% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 8.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-3240 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3240 vs Core i5-2540M Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3240

The Core i3-3240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,352 points. Launch price was $75.

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

Both the Core i3-3240 and Core i5-2540M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-3240 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2540M — a 3% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i3-3240 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-2540M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3240 scores 2,352 against the Core i5-2540M's 2,356 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-2540M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-3240	Core i5-2540M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+3%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+31%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,352	2,356

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3240 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2540M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3240	Core i5-2540M
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	1333
Max RAM Capacity	—	16
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-3240) / true (Core i5-2540M). The Core i5-2540M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i3-3240 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2540M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.

Feature	Core i3-3240	Core i5-2540M
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3240 was priced at $132, while the Core i5-2540M came in at $266. On launch pricing ($132 vs $266), Core i3-3240 was $134 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3240 delivers 17.8 pts/$ vs 8.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-2540M — making the Core i3-3240 the 67.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3240	Core i5-2540M
MSRP	$132-50%	$266
Performance per Dollar	17.8+100%	8.9
Release Date	2012	2011

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