Core i5-2540M vs Xeon E5440
Core i5-2540M
Xeon E5440
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 Xeon E5440 is on rank 1008, 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 Xeon E5440
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2540M | Xeon E5440 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($37) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Harpertown (2007−2008) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2540M | Xeon E5440 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+268%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($37) |
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 Xeon E5440
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.
Xeon E5440
The Xeon E5440 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 November 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.83 GHz, with boost up to 0.83 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,367 points. Launch price was $690.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2540M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5440 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5440 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2540M versus 0.83 GHz on the Xeon E5440 — a 119.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-2540M (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.83 GHz). The Core i5-2540M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5440 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2540M scores 2,356 against the Xeon E5440's 2,367 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E5440. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2540M vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E5440.
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | Xeon E5440 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz+298% | 0.83 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | 2.83 GHz+9% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 12 MB L2 Cache+300% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 6 MB (total)+2300% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Harpertown (2007−2008) |
| PassMark | 2,356 | 2,367 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2540M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5440 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | Xeon E5440 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA771 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i5-2540M) / not specified (Xeon E5440). The Core i5-2540M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Xeon E5440 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2540M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | Xeon E5440 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-2540M launched at $266 MSRP, while the Xeon E5440 debuted at $690. At current prices ($10 vs $37), the Core i5-2540M is $27 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2540M delivers 235.6 pts/$ vs 64.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E5440 — making the Core i5-2540M the 114.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | Xeon E5440 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $266-61% | $690 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10-73% | $37 |
| Performance per Dollar | 235.6+268% | 64.0 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2007 |
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