Core i5-2540M vs Core 2 Duo T6670
Core i5-2540M
Core 2 Duo T6670
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 Core 2 Duo T6670 is on rank 474, 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 Core 2 Duo T6670
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2540M | Core 2 Duo T6670 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2540M | Core 2 Duo T6670 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Core 2 Duo T6670
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.
Core 2 Duo T6670
The Core 2 Duo T6670 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,365 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2540M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo T6670's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2540M versus 2.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T6670 — a 40% clock advantage for the Core i5-2540M (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i5-2540M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T6670 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2540M scores 2,356 against the Core 2 Duo T6670's 2,365 — a 0.4% lead for the Core 2 Duo T6670. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2540M vs 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T6670.
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | Core 2 Duo T6670 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz+50% | 2.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz+18% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total)+50% | 2 MB L2 Cache |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 2 MB+700% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,356 | 2,365 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 252 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 252 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2540M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo T6670 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2540M versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo T6670 — the Core i5-2540M supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-2540M supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-2540M) vs 0 (Core 2 Duo T6670) — the Core i5-2540M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2540M) and GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo T6670).
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | Core 2 Duo T6670 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 8 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-2540M) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo T6670). The Core i5-2540M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core 2 Duo T6670 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T6670 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-2540M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660; Core 2 Duo T6670 rivals Core 2 Duo T6600.
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | Core 2 Duo T6670 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
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