Core i5-2540M vs A8-3870K
Core i5-2540M
A8-3870K
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 A8-3870K is on rank 502, 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 A8-3870K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2540M | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2540M | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 A8-3870K
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.
A8-3870K
The A8-3870K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,360 points. Launch price was $90.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2540M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the A8-3870K offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the A8-3870K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2540M versus 3 GHz on the A8-3870K — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-2540M (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-2540M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the A8-3870K uses Llano (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2540M scores 2,356 against the A8-3870K's 2,360 — a 0.2% lead for the A8-3870K. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2540M vs 0 kB on the A8-3870K.
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz+10% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | 3 GHz+15% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Llano (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 2,356 | 2,360 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 380 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2540M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the A8-3870K uses FM1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2540M versus DDR3-1866 on the A8-3870K — the Core i5-2540M supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-3870K supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-2540M) vs 20 (A8-3870K) — the A8-3870K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2540M) and A55,A75 (A8-3870K).
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | FM1 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3-1866 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 32 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Advanced Features
Only the A8-3870K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-2540M) vs AMD-V (A8-3870K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2540M) and Radeon HD 6550D (A8-3870K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3870K targets Budget Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2540M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660; A8-3870K rivals Core i3-2125.
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | Radeon HD 6550D |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Budget Gaming Desktop |
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