Core i5-2540M vs A10-9600P
Core i5-2540M
A10-9600P
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 Core i5-2540M is positioned at rank 8 and the A10-9600P is on rank 572, 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 Core i5-2540M
Performance Per Dollar A10-9600P
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2540M | A10-9600P |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2540M | A10-9600P |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+405%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
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 Core i5-2540M and A10-9600P
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.
A10-9600P
The A10-9600P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,333 points. Launch price was $130.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2540M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the A10-9600P offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the A10-9600P has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2540M versus 3.3 GHz on the A10-9600P — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i5-2540M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the A10-9600P uses Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2540M scores 2,356 against the A10-9600P's 2,333 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-2540M.
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | A10-9600P |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz+8% | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 2048 kB+700% |
| Process | 32 nm | 28 nm-13% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 2,356 | 2,333 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 469 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2540M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the A10-9600P uses FP4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2540M versus DDR4-1866 on the A10-9600P — the Core i5-2540M supports 198.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-2540M) vs 8 (A10-9600P) — the Core i5-2540M offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | A10-9600P |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | FP4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+33225% | DDR4-1866 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 16 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+100% | 8 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-2540M) vs AMD-V (A10-9600P). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2540M) and Radeon R5 (A10-9600P) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-9600P targets Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2540M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660; A10-9600P rivals Core i3-6006U.
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | A10-9600P |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | Radeon R5 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Laptop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-2540M launched at $266 MSRP, while the A10-9600P debuted at $128. At current prices ($10 vs $50), the Core i5-2540M is $40 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2540M delivers 235.6 pts/$ vs 46.7 pts/$ for the A10-9600P — making the Core i5-2540M the 133.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | A10-9600P |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $266 | $128-52% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10-80% | $50 |
| Performance per Dollar | 235.6+404% | 46.7 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2016 |
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