Core i5-2540M vs Celeron G3920
Core i5-2540M
Celeron G3920
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 Celeron G3920 is on rank 364, 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 Celeron G3920
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2540M | Celeron G3920 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2540M | Celeron G3920 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+200%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
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 Celeron G3920
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.
Celeron G3920
The Celeron G3920 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,358 points. Launch price was $52.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2540M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Celeron G3920's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2540M versus 2.9 GHz on the Celeron G3920 — a 12.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-2540M (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i5-2540M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Celeron G3920 uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2540M scores 2,356 against the Celeron G3920's 2,358 — a 0.1% lead for the Celeron G3920. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2540M vs 4 MB (total) on the Celeron G3920.
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | Celeron G3920 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz+14% | 2.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | 2.9 GHz+12% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 4 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 2,356 | 2,358 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 699 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 948 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2540M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron G3920 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2540M versus DDR4-2133 on the Celeron G3920 — the Core i5-2540M supports 198.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3920 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2540M) and H110,B150,H170,Z170 (Celeron G3920).
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | Celeron G3920 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+33225% | DDR4-2133 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 64 GB+419430300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-2540M) vs VT-x (Celeron G3920). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2540M) and HD Graphics 510 (Celeron G3920) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3920 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-2540M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660; Celeron G3920 rivals Pentium G4400.
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | Celeron G3920 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | HD Graphics 510 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-2540M launched at $266 MSRP, while the Celeron G3920 debuted at $40. At current prices ($10 vs $30), the Core i5-2540M is $20 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2540M delivers 235.6 pts/$ vs 78.6 pts/$ for the Celeron G3920 — making the Core i5-2540M the 99.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | Celeron G3920 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $266 | $40-85% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10-67% | $30 |
| Performance per Dollar | 235.6+200% | 78.6 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2015 |
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