Core i5-540M vs Athlon 64 FX-72
Core i5-540M
Athlon 64 FX-72
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 i5-540M is positioned at rank 432 and the Athlon 64 FX-72 is on rank 1100, so the Core i5-540M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-540M
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 FX-72
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-540M | Athlon 64 FX-72 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Windsor (2006−2007) / 90 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-540M | Athlon 64 FX-72 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) |
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 i5-540M and Athlon 64 FX-72
Core i5-540M
The Core i5-540M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 3.07 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: 1,796 points. Launch price was $257.
Athlon 64 FX-72
The Athlon 64 FX-72 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: F. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR1. Passmark benchmark score: 1,794 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i5-540M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Athlon 64 FX-72's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.07 GHz on the Core i5-540M versus 2.8 GHz on the Athlon 64 FX-72 — a 9.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-540M. The Core i5-540M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon 64 FX-72 uses Windsor (2006−2007) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-540M scores 1,796 against the Athlon 64 FX-72's 1,794 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-540M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-540M vs 0 kB on the Athlon 64 FX-72.
| Feature | Core i5-540M | Athlon 64 FX-72 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.07 GHz+10% | 2.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.53 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1 MB+300% |
| Process | 32 nm-64% | 90 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Windsor (2006−2007) |
| PassMark | 1,796 | 1,794 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 300 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 700 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-540M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon 64 FX-72 uses F (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core i5-540M versus DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 FX-72 — the Core i5-540M supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon 64 FX-72 supports up to 16 GB 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 i5-540M) vs 0 (Athlon 64 FX-72) — the Core i5-540M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM55,QM57,HM57,QS57,PM55 (Core i5-540M) and AMD F (1207) (Athlon 64 FX-72).
| Feature | Core i5-540M | Athlon 64 FX-72 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | F |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066+50% | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 16 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-540M) / not specified (Athlon 64 FX-72). The Core i5-540M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Athlon 64 FX-72 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-540M targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-540M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.
| Feature | Core i5-540M | Athlon 64 FX-72 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Mainstream Laptop | — |
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