CPU
GPU
Core i5-540UM
Athlon X2 BE-2350
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 X2 BE-2350 is on rank 984, so the Athlon X2 BE-2350 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 X2 BE-2350
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-540UM | Athlon X2 BE-2350 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior 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 (Brisbane (2007−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-540UM | Athlon X2 BE-2350 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 X2 BE-2350
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 X2 BE-2350
The Athlon X2 BE-2350 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Brisbane (2007−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 975 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i5-540UM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Athlon X2 BE-2350's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core i5-540UM versus 2.1 GHz on the Athlon X2 BE-2350 — a 4.9% clock advantage for the Athlon X2 BE-2350. The Core i5-540UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon X2 BE-2350 uses Brisbane (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-540UM scores 1,002 against the Athlon X2 BE-2350's 975 — a 2.7% lead for the Core i5-540UM. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-540UM vs 0 kB on the Athlon X2 BE-2350.
| Feature | Core i5-540UM | Athlon X2 BE-2350 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2 GHz | 2.1 GHz+5% |
| Base Clock | 1.2 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 512 kB |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Brisbane (2007−2008) |
| PassMark | 1,002+3% | 975 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-540UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon X2 BE-2350 uses AM2 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 800 on the Core i5-540UM versus DDR2-800 on the Athlon X2 BE-2350 — the Core i5-540UM supports 199% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon X2 BE-2350 supports up to 16 GB 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 X2 BE-2350) — the Core i5-540UM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i5-540UM) and AMD AM2 (Athlon X2 BE-2350).
| Feature | Core i5-540UM | Athlon X2 BE-2350 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1288 | AM2 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 800+39900% | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 16 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i5-540UM) / not specified (Athlon X2 BE-2350). The Core i5-540UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Athlon X2 BE-2350 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-540UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.
| Feature | Core i5-540UM | Athlon X2 BE-2350 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
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