Core i5-2540M vs Core m5-6Y57

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.

Core i5-2540M vs Core m5-6Y57 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-2540M vs Core m5-6Y57: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-2540M

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $15 less on MSRP ($266 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core m5-6Y57 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌677.8% higher power demand at 35W vs 4.5W.

Core m5-6Y57

2015

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 5W instead of 35W, a 31W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,342 vs 2,356).
❌
5.6% HIGHER MSRP
$281 MSRPvs$266 MSRP
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2540M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2540M better than Core m5-6Y57?

Yes. Core i5-2540M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-2540M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2540M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-2540M is the better buy right now. Core i5-2540M comes in $15 cheaper on MSRP at $266 MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 6.3% better value on MSRP (8.9 vs 8.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core m5-6Y57 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2540M vs Core m5-6Y57 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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 m5-6Y57

The Core m5-6Y57 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-Y (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,342 points. Launch price was $281.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-2540M and Core m5-6Y57 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2540M versus 2.8 GHz on the Core m5-6Y57 — a 16.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-2540M (base: 2.6 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core i5-2540M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core m5-6Y57 uses Skylake-Y (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2540M scores 2,356 against the Core m5-6Y57's 2,342 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-2540M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2540M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core m5-6Y57.

Feature	Core i5-2540M	Core m5-6Y57
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+18%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+136%	1.1 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Skylake-Y (2015)
PassMark	2,356	2,342

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2540M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core m5-6Y57 uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2540M	Core m5-6Y57
Socket	PGA988	FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-2540M) / not specified (Core m5-6Y57). The Core i5-2540M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core m5-6Y57 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2540M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.

Feature	Core i5-2540M	Core m5-6Y57
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2540M was priced at $266, while the Core m5-6Y57 came in at $281. On launch pricing ($266 vs $281), Core i5-2540M was $15 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2540M delivers 8.9 pts/$ vs 8.3 pts/$ for the Core m5-6Y57 — making the Core i5-2540M the 6.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2540M	Core m5-6Y57
MSRP	$266-5%	$281
Performance per Dollar	8.9+7%	8.3
Release Date	2011	2015

Search Core i5-2540M on Amazon

Search Core m5-6Y57 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.