Core i5-540M vs Celeron Dual-Core T3000
Core i5-540M
Celeron Dual-Core T3000
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 Celeron Dual-Core T3000 is on rank 824, 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 Celeron Dual-Core T3000
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-540M | Celeron Dual-Core T3000 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn-1M (2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-540M | Celeron Dual-Core T3000 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) |
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.
Counter-Strike 2
Valorant
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-540M and Celeron Dual-Core T3000
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.
Celeron Dual-Core T3000
The Celeron Dual-Core T3000 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Penryn-1M (2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.8 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: P. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,797 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i5-540M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Celeron Dual-Core T3000's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.07 GHz on the Core i5-540M versus 1.8 GHz on the Celeron Dual-Core T3000 — a 52.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-540M. The Core i5-540M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Celeron Dual-Core T3000 uses Penryn-1M (2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-540M scores 1,796 against the Celeron Dual-Core T3000's 1,797 — a 0.1% lead for the Celeron Dual-Core T3000.
| Feature | Core i5-540M | Celeron Dual-Core T3000 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.07 GHz+71% | 1.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.53 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1 MB+300% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Penryn-1M (2009) |
| PassMark | 1,796 | 1,797 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 300 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 700 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-540M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron Dual-Core T3000 uses P (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55,QM57,HM57,QS57,PM55 (Core i5-540M) and Mobile Intel 4 Series (Celeron Dual-Core T3000).
| Feature | Core i5-540M | Celeron Dual-Core T3000 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | P |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | DDR3-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-540M) vs false (Celeron Dual-Core T3000). The Core i5-540M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Celeron Dual-Core T3000 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 | Celeron Dual-Core T3000 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | false |
| Target Use | Mainstream Laptop | — |
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