CPU
GPU
Core i5-540UM
Athlon II X2 260u
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 i5-540UM is positioned at rank 1081 and the Athlon II X2 260u is on rank 873, so the Athlon II X2 260u offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-540UM
Performance Per Dollar Athlon II X2 260u
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-540UM | Athlon II X2 260u |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Regor (2009−2013) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-540UM | Athlon II X2 260u |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) |
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 i5-540UM and Athlon II X2 260u
Core i5-540UM
The Core i5-540UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,002 points. Launch price was $250.
Athlon II X2 260u
The Athlon II X2 260u is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 990 points. Launch price was $83.
Processing Power
The Core i5-540UM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Athlon II X2 260u's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core i5-540UM versus 1.8 GHz on the Athlon II X2 260u — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-540UM. The Core i5-540UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon II X2 260u uses Regor (2009−2013) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-540UM scores 1,002 against the Athlon II X2 260u's 990 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i5-540UM. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-540UM vs 0 kB on the Athlon II X2 260u.
| Feature | Core i5-540UM | Athlon II X2 260u |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2 GHz+11% | 1.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.2 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 1 MB+100% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Regor (2009−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,002+1% | 990 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-540UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon II X2 260u uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 800 on the Core i5-540UM versus 1333 on the Athlon II X2 260u — the Athlon II X2 260u supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X2 260u supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-540UM) vs 0 (Athlon II X2 260u) — the Core i5-540UM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i5-540UM) and AM2+,AM3 (Athlon II X2 260u).
| Feature | Core i5-540UM | Athlon II X2 260u |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1288 | AM3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 800 | 1333+67% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 16+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. The Core i5-540UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Athlon II X2 260u requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-540UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400; Athlon II X2 260u rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.
| Feature | Core i5-540UM | Athlon II X2 260u |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
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