CPU
GPU
Xeon E5405
Celeron M 540
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 Xeon E5405 is positioned at rank 906 and the Celeron M 540 is on rank 873, so the Celeron M 540 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5405
Performance Per Dollar Celeron M 540
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5405 | Celeron M 540 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Harpertown (2007−2008) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5405 | Celeron M 540 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+34%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
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 Xeon E5405 and Celeron M 540
Xeon E5405
The Xeon E5405 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 November 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 1,753 points. Launch price was $209.
Celeron M 540
The Celeron M 540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.86 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,744 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5405 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Celeron M 540 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Xeon E5405 has 3 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Xeon E5405 versus 1.86 GHz on the Celeron M 540 — a 7.3% clock advantage for the Xeon E5405. The Xeon E5405 uses the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture (45 nm), while the Celeron M 540 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5405 scores 1,753 against the Celeron M 540's 1,744 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E5405.
| Feature | Xeon E5405 | Celeron M 540 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+300% | 1 / 1 |
| Boost Clock | 2 GHz+8% | 1.86 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB L2 Cache | — |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB (total)+500% | 1 MB |
| Process | 45 nm-31% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Harpertown (2007−2008) | Merom (2006−2008) |
| PassMark | 1,753 | 1,744 |
Memory & Platform
Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Xeon E5405 versus 667 on the Celeron M 540 — the Celeron M 540 supports 198.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5405 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 4 — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Xeon E5405 | Celeron M 540 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA771 | — |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-667 | 667+33250% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+838860700% | 4 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Xeon E5405) vs false (Celeron M 540). Primary use case: Xeon E5405 targets Server. Direct competitor: Celeron M 540 rivals Mobile Sempron 3600+.
| Feature | Xeon E5405 | Celeron M 540 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | false |
| Target Use | Server | — |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E5405 launched at $209 MSRP, while the Celeron M 540 debuted at $86. At current prices ($15 vs $20), the Xeon E5405 is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5405 delivers 116.9 pts/$ vs 87.2 pts/$ for the Celeron M 540 — making the Xeon E5405 the 29.1% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E5405 | Celeron M 540 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $209 | $86-59% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-25% | $20 |
| Performance per Dollar | 116.9+34% | 87.2 |
| Release Date | 2007 | 2007 |
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