Core i5-2540M vs Phenom II X4 840T

Core i5-2540M vs Phenom II X4 840T Performance Spectrum

Core i5-2540M

2 / 4

2,356

0.0%

2,367

+0.5%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core i5-2540M vs Phenom II X4 840T 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 Phenom II X4 840T: 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

✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Phenom II X4 840T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,356 vs 2,367).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $266 MSRP, while Phenom II X4 840T mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Phenom II X4 840T

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌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 Phenom II X4 840T?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-2540M is ahead with a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X4 840T pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark. Phenom II X4 840T also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X4 840T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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 at an unclear MSRP at $266 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Phenom II X4 840T is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-2540M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2540M vs Phenom II X4 840T 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.

Phenom II X4 840T

The Phenom II X4 840T is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Zosma (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,367 points. Launch price was $80.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2540M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X4 840T offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 840T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2540M versus 3.2 GHz on the Phenom II X4 840T — a 3.1% 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 Phenom II X4 840T uses Zosma (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2540M scores 2,356 against the Phenom II X4 840T's 2,367 — a 0.5% lead for the Phenom II X4 840T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2540M vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 840T.

Feature	Core i5-2540M	Phenom II X4 840T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+3%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	2.9 GHz+12%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB (per core)+100%
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Zosma (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,356	2,367

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2540M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom II X4 840T uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2540M	Phenom II X4 840T
Socket	PGA988	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-2540M) / not specified (Phenom II X4 840T). The Core i5-2540M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Phenom II X4 840T requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2540M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.