Core i5-2540M vs Celeron G4900

Core i5-2540M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2011

Celeron G4900

2 Cores2 Thrd54 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2018

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Core i5-2540M

2 / 4

2,356

0.0%

2,370

+0.6%

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. The Core i5-2540M is positioned at rank #8 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Excellent cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

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 G4900

#370

Athlon 240GE

MSRP: $75|Avg: $110

149%

#371

Core 5 120UL

MSRP: $277|Avg: $270

140%

#372

Ryzen Embedded V3C14

MSRP: $305|Avg: $305

140%

#373

Core i7-9700T

MSRP: $323|Avg: $276

138%

#374

Core i9-13900TE

MSRP: $554|Avg: $554

133%

#375

Ryzen Embedded V2546

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

130%

#376

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7945WX

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $1399

128%

#377

Core i3-9100HL

MSRP: $225|Avg: $100

124%

#378

Core i9-12900TE

MSRP: $494|Avg: $664

124%

#379

Core i9-9940X

MSRP: $1387|Avg: $850

119%

#380

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

MSRP: $1899|Avg: $1836

117%

#381

Ryzen Embedded V1756B

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

116%

#382

Ryzen Embedded R2544

MSRP: $280|Avg: $280

109%

#383

Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

MSRP: $4999|Avg: $4999

102%

#384

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

MSRP: $3990|Avg: $2850

101%

#385

Celeron G4900

MSRP: $42|Avg: $85

100%

#386

Ryzen Embedded V3C18I

MSRP: $500|Avg: $500

99%

#387

Ryzen Embedded V1807B

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

96%

#388

Ryzen Embedded R2312

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

95%

#389

Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

MSRP: $4999|Avg: $5200

94%

#390

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

MSRP: $1799|Avg: $1247

92%

#391

Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX

MSRP: $1299|Avg: $1300

85%

#392

Celeron G4920

MSRP: $52|Avg: $115

80%

#393

Core i3-9300T

MSRP: $309|Avg: $309

73%

#394

Ryzen 3 2200GE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

71%

#395

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

MSRP: $4491|Avg: $4491

50%

#396

Ryzen Embedded R2314

MSRP: $300|Avg: $762

28%

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 G4900 (2018) utilizes 14 nm technology and DDR4-2400, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Core i5-2540M	Celeron G4900
Gaming	✅ Superior gaming performance	❌ Lower gaming performance
Workstation	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks	✅ Better multi-core power
Price	✅ More affordable ($10)	⚠️ Higher cost ($85)
Longevity	🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm)	✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 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 G4900
Cost Efficiency	✅ Better overall value (+745%)	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	✅ More affordable ($10)	⚠️ Higher cost ($85)

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 G4900 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-2540M and Celeron G4900

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 G4900

The Celeron G4900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 2,370 points. Launch price was $42.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-2540M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Celeron G4900's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2540M versus 3.1 GHz on the Celeron G4900 — a 6.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-2540M (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i5-2540M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Celeron G4900 uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2540M scores 2,356 against the Celeron G4900's 2,370 — a 0.6% lead for the Celeron G4900. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2540M vs 6 MB (total) on the Celeron G4900.

Feature	Core i5-2540M	Celeron G4900
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+6%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	3.1 GHz+19%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
PassMark	2,356	2,370
Geekbench 6 Single	—	850
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,550

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2540M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron G4900 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 G4900 — the Core i5-2540M supports 198.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G4900 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 H310,B360,B365,H370,Z370,Z390 (Celeron G4900).

Feature	Core i5-2540M	Celeron G4900
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 G4900). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2540M) and UHD Graphics 610 (Celeron G4900) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G4900 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-2540M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660; Celeron G4900 rivals Pentium G5400.

Feature	Core i5-2540M	Celeron G4900
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	UHD 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 G4900 debuted at $42. At current prices ($10 vs $85), the Core i5-2540M is $75 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2540M delivers 235.6 pts/$ vs 27.9 pts/$ for the Celeron G4900 — making the Core i5-2540M the 157.7% better value option.