Core i5-2540M vs Celeron G3950

Core i5-2540M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2011

Celeron G3950

2 Cores2 Thrd51 WWMax: 3 GHz2017

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Core i5-2540M

2 / 4

2,356

+0.9%

2,336

0.0%

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 G3950 is on rank 457, so the Core i5-2540M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2540M

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

112%

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

110%

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

101%

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

101%

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

100%

#10

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

97%

#11

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

93%

#12

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

92%

#13

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

90%

#17

Core i3-350M

MSRP: $130|Avg: $10

83%

#18

Atom x5-E8000

MSRP: $18|Avg: N/A

82%

#19

Core 2 Duo T5900

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $5

81%

#22

Core i3-3130M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

73%

#23

Core 2 Duo T5550

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $5

70%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Celeron G3950

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

6939%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

6557%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

4761%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

1434%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

1136%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

994%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

569%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

562%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

512%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

511%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

506%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

492%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

485%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

483%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

479%

#356

Ryzen Embedded V1605B

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

100%

#357

Core i9-10900K

MSRP: $499|Avg: $500

100%

#358

Celeron G4930

MSRP: $42|Avg: $57

100%

#359

Ryzen 7 2700E

MSRP: $329|Avg: $329

99%

#360

Ryzen Embedded V2516

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

99%

#361

Ryzen Threadripper 9970X

MSRP: $2499|Avg: $2442

99%

#362

Core i9-14901E

MSRP: $557|Avg: $689

98%

#363

Celeron G5900T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $50

98%

#457

Celeron G3950

MSRP: $52|Avg: $30

100%

#462

Athlon X2 340

MSRP: $30|Avg: $15

99%

#466

Pentium G4600

MSRP: $82|Avg: $116

99%

#467

Celeron G3900TE

MSRP: $42|Avg: $45

98%

#471

Pentium G4620

MSRP: $86|Avg: $154

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Celeron G3950 (2017) utilizes 14 nm technology and DDR4 2133, DDR3L 1333/1600, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Core i5-2540M	Celeron G3950
Gaming	✅ Superior gaming performance	❌ Lower gaming performance
Workstation	✅ Better multi-core power	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price	✅ More affordable ($10)	⚠️ Higher cost ($30)
Longevity	🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm)	✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core i5-2540M (2011) relies on 32 nm technology and DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Core i5-2540M	Celeron G3950
Cost Efficiency	✅ Better overall value (+203%)	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	✅ More affordable ($10)	⚠️ Higher cost ($30)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Core i5-2540M Benchmark Check

Celeron G3950 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-2540M and Celeron G3950

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 G3950

The Celeron G3950 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 2133, DDR3L 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,336 points. Launch price was $52.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-2540M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Celeron G3950's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2540M versus 3 GHz on the Celeron G3950 — 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 Celeron G3950 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2540M scores 2,356 against the Celeron G3950's 2,336 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-2540M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2540M vs 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G3950.

Feature	Core i5-2540M	Celeron G3950
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+10%	3 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	3 GHz+15%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	2,356	2,336
Geekbench 6 Single	—	750
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,100

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2540M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron G3950 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2540M versus DDR4-2400 on the Celeron G3950 — the Core i5-2540M supports 198.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3950 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,B250,H270,Z270 (Celeron G3950).

Feature	Core i5-2540M	Celeron G3950
Socket	PGA988	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	1333+33225%	DDR4-2400
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 G3950). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2540M) and HD Graphics 610 (Celeron G3950) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3950 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-2540M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660; Celeron G3950 rivals Pentium G4560.

Feature	Core i5-2540M	Celeron G3950
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	HD Graphics 610
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 G3950 debuted at $52. 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 77.9 pts/$ for the Celeron G3950 — making the Core i5-2540M the 100.6% better value option.