CPU
GPU
Phenom X4 9650
Core i5-540M
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 Phenom X4 9650 is positioned at rank 362 and the Core i5-540M is on rank 432, so the Phenom X4 9650 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Phenom X4 9650
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-540M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Phenom X4 9650 | Core i5-540M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Agena (2007−2008) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Phenom X4 9650 | Core i5-540M |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Phenom X4 9650 and Core i5-540M
Phenom X4 9650
The Phenom X4 9650 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,777 points. Launch price was $149.
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.
Processing Power
The Phenom X4 9650 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-540M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9650 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Phenom X4 9650 versus 3.07 GHz on the Core i5-540M — a 28.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-540M. The Phenom X4 9650 uses the Agena (2007−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i5-540M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom X4 9650 scores 1,777 against the Core i5-540M's 1,796 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-540M. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9650 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-540M.
| Feature | Phenom X4 9650 | Core i5-540M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.3 GHz | 3.07 GHz+33% |
| Base Clock | — | 2.53 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB (total) | 3 MB (total)+50% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core)+100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 32 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Agena (2007−2008) | Arrandale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,777 | 1,796+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 300 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 700 |
Memory & Platform
The Phenom X4 9650 uses the AM2+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-540M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Phenom X4 9650 | Core i5-540M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM2+ | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Phenom X4 9650) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-540M). The Core i5-540M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Phenom X4 9650 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-540M targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-540M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.
| Feature | Phenom X4 9650 | Core i5-540M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Mainstream Laptop |
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