Core i5-540M vs Ryzen 5 5600

Core i5-540M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.07 GHz2010

Ryzen 5 5600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Core i5-540M

2 / 4

1,796

0.0%

21,550

+1099.9%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

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. The Core i5-540M is positioned at rank #432 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-540M

#419

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

572%

#420

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

563%

#421

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

517%

#422

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

515%

#423

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

510%

#425

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

493%

#426

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

472%

#427

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

472%

#428

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

459%

#432

Core i5-540M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 5600

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

135%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

123%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

123%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

121%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

118%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

116%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

116%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

115%

#16

Core Ultra 5 225F

MSRP: $231|Avg: $150

112%

#17

Core Ultra 7 265K

MSRP: $309|Avg: $285

110%

#18

Ryzen 9 3900

MSRP: $499|Avg: $150

109%

#19

Ryzen 5 3600X

MSRP: $249|Avg: $90

108%

#20

Core i7-14700KF

MSRP: $384|Avg: $260

107%

#21

Core i7-14700K

MSRP: $409|Avg: $270

103%

#22

Ryzen 5 4500

MSRP: $129|Avg: $85

101%

#23

Ryzen 5 5600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $115

100%

#24

Celeron G5925

MSRP: $62|Avg: $15

100%

#25

Ryzen 5 7500F

MSRP: $179|Avg: $145

98%

#26

Core Ultra 5 245

MSRP: $319|Avg: $220

97%

#27

Ryzen 7 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $86

97%

#28

Core Ultra 7 265KF

MSRP: $379|Avg: $323

97%

#29

Core Ultra 7 265F

MSRP: $369|Avg: $276

95%

#30

Core i5-12400F

MSRP: $174|Avg: $110

95%

#31

Ryzen 3 PRO 5355G

MSRP: $130|Avg: $80

94%

#32

Ryzen 7 2700X

MSRP: $329|Avg: $100

93%

#33

Core i3-10100F

MSRP: $88|Avg: $50

93%

#34

Ryzen 5 7400F

MSRP: $150|Avg: $147

93%

#35

Ryzen 5 9600X

MSRP: $279|Avg: $178

90%

#36

Ryzen 7 3800X

MSRP: $399|Avg: $140

88%

#37

Ryzen 3 5300G

MSRP: $130|Avg: $80

87%

#38

Ryzen 9 7900X

MSRP: $549|Avg: $316

87%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Ryzen 5 5600 (2022) utilizes 7 nm technology and DDR4-3200, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Core i5-540M	Ryzen 5 5600
Gaming	❌ Lower gaming performance	✅ Superior gaming performance
Workstation	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks	✅ Better multi-core power
Price	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($115)
Longevity	🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm)	✨ Modern (Vermeer (2020−2025) / 7 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core i5-540M (2010) relies on 32 nm technology and DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Core i5-540M	Ryzen 5 5600
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($115)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Core i5-540M Benchmark Check

Ryzen 5 5600 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-540M and Ryzen 5 5600

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.

Ryzen 5 5600

The Ryzen 5 5600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 21,550 points. Launch price was $299.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-540M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.07 GHz on the Core i5-540M versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600 — a 35.6% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600 (base: 2.53 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i5-540M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses Vermeer (2020−2025) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-540M scores 1,796 against the Ryzen 5 5600's 21,550 — a 169.2% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 300 vs 2,052, a 149% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 700 vs 8,600 (169.9% advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-540M vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 5600.

Feature	Core i5-540M	Ryzen 5 5600
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock	3.07 GHz	4.4 GHz+43%
Base Clock	2.53 GHz	3.5 GHz+38%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	32 MB (total)+967%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512K (per core)+100%
Process	32 nm	7 nm-78%
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Vermeer (2020−2025)
PassMark	1,796	21,550+1100%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	11,077
Geekbench 6 Single	300	2,052+584%
Geekbench 6 Multi	700	8,600+1129%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-540M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core i5-540M versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600 — the Ryzen 5 5600 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 5600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-540M) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600) — the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM55,QM57,HM57,QS57,PM55 (Core i5-540M) and B550,X570,B450,X470,A520 (Ryzen 5 5600).

Feature	Core i5-540M	Ryzen 5 5600
Socket	PGA988	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 4.0+100%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR4-3200+33%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	128 GB+1500%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	❌	✅
PCIe Lanes	16	24+50%

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 5600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-540M) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600). The Core i5-540M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Ryzen 5 5600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-540M targets Mainstream Laptop, Ryzen 5 5600 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-540M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.