Core i5-540M vs Core 2 Duo T9500
Core i5-540M
Core 2 Duo T9500
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 Core 2 Duo T9500 is on rank 343, so the Core 2 Duo T9500 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 Core 2 Duo T9500
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-540M | Core 2 Duo T9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-540M | Core 2 Duo T9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 Core 2 Duo T9500
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.
Core 2 Duo T9500
The Core 2 Duo T9500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,799 points. Launch price was $530.
Processing Power
The Core i5-540M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo T9500's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.07 GHz on the Core i5-540M versus 2.6 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T9500 — a 16.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-540M (base: 2.53 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-540M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T9500 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-540M scores 1,796 against the Core 2 Duo T9500's 1,799 — a 0.2% lead for the Core 2 Duo T9500. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-540M vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T9500.
| Feature | Core i5-540M | Core 2 Duo T9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.07 GHz+18% | 2.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.53 GHz | 2.6 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 6 MB L2 Cache+100% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 6 MB+2300% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,796 | 1,799 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 300 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 700 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-540M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo T9500 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: HM55,QM57,HM57,QS57,PM55 (Core i5-540M) and GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo T9500).
| Feature | Core i5-540M | Core 2 Duo T9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-540M) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo T9500). The Core i5-540M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Core 2 Duo T9500 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-540M targets Mainstream Laptop, Core 2 Duo T9500 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-540M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660; Core 2 Duo T9500 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.
| Feature | Core i5-540M | Core 2 Duo T9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x |
| Target Use | Mainstream Laptop | Budget |
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