CPU
GPU
Core i5-540UM
Core 2 Duo E4300
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 Core 2 Duo E4300 is on rank 1015, so the Core 2 Duo E4300 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 Core 2 Duo E4300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-540UM | Core 2 Duo E4300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($5) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Allendale (2006−2009) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-540UM | Core 2 Duo E4300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($5) |
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 i5-540UM and Core 2 Duo E4300
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.
Core 2 Duo E4300
The Core 2 Duo E4300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Allendale (2006−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,005 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core i5-540UM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo E4300's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core i5-540UM versus 1.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E4300 — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-540UM (base: 1.2 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i5-540UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E4300 uses Allendale (2006−2009) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-540UM scores 1,002 against the Core 2 Duo E4300's 1,005 — a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo E4300. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-540UM vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E4300.
| Feature | Core i5-540UM | Core 2 Duo E4300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2 GHz+11% | 1.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.2 GHz | 1.8 GHz+50% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 2 MB+300% |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Allendale (2006−2009) |
| PassMark | 1,002 | 1,005 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-540UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo E4300 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 800 memory speed. The Core 2 Duo E4300 supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i5-540UM) and P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E4300).
| Feature | Core i5-540UM | Core 2 Duo E4300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1288 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 800 | 800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 16+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-540UM) vs false (Core 2 Duo E4300). The Core i5-540UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Core 2 Duo E4300 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-540UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400; Core 2 Duo E4300 rivals Athlon 64 X2 3800+.
| Feature | Core i5-540UM | Core 2 Duo E4300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | false |
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