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.

Overview

The Celeron 540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. Base frequency: 1.86 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 30 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 408 points. Launch price was $69.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Celeron 540

#97

Athlon Neo X2 L335

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

109%

#98

Core i7-4712MQ

MSRP: $378|Avg: $60

109%

#99

Celeron M 743

MSRP: $107|Avg: $15

108%

#100

Pro A8-8600B

MSRP: $150|Avg: $25

108%

#101

Athlon X2 L310

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

107%

#102

Celeron M 540

MSRP: $86|Avg: $20

107%

#103

Core Solo T1400

MSRP: $200|Avg: $5

105%

#104

Celeron Dual-Core T3500

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

104%

#105

Celeron 847

MSRP: $134|Avg: $15

104%

#106

Core 2 Duo T9300

MSRP: $316|Avg: $20

102%

#107

Ryzen 9 5900HX

MSRP: $266|Avg: N/A

102%

#108

Core i5-3210M

MSRP: $225|Avg: $30

101%

#109

Ryzen 9 9955HX3D

MSRP: $749|Avg: N/A

101%

#110

Core M-5Y10

MSRP: $281|Avg: $20

101%

#111

A8-8600P

MSRP: $150|Avg: $30

101%

#112

Celeron 540

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

100%

#113

Core i5-1240P

MSRP: $309|Avg: $200

99%

#114

Core i3-8145UE

MSRP: $281|Avg: $50

99%

#115

Pentium A1018

MSRP: $132|Avg: $15

97%

#116

Ryzen 5 PRO 5675U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $180

97%

#117

Athlon 64 X2 TK-42

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

95%

#118

A8 Pro-7150B

MSRP: $150|Avg: $20

94%

#119

A6 Micro-6500T

MSRP: $100|Avg: $15

94%

#120

Ryzen AI 9 365

MSRP: $400|Avg: $400

92%

#121

Core i5-1350P

MSRP: $320|Avg: $250

92%

#122

Pentium T2370

MSRP: $86|Avg: $10

91%

#123

Pentium 987

MSRP: $134|Avg: $20

91%

#124

Athlon II M340

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

91%

#125

C-60

MSRP: $50|Avg: $20

91%

#126

Athlon X2 QL-65

MSRP: $150|Avg: $22

91%

#127

FX-9830P

MSRP: $150|Avg: $45

90%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Celeron 540 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Celeron 540 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Celeron 540 is a multi-core processor, manufactured on a 65 nm process node. It carries 1 MB L2 Cache of L3 cache. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 408, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Celeron 540
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.86 GHz
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	65 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	1 MB L2 Cache
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Core Voltage Range	0.95V-1.3V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	408

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron 540 fits into the PGA478 socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage.

Specification	Celeron 540
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SocketMotherboard socket required	PGA478
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 1.1
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	0
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR2-667
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	4 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	Santa Rosa

🔧

Advanced Features

The Celeron 540 is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: No — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium T2310.

Specification	Celeron 540
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Budget
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	No
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Pentium T2310

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Celeron 540 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 30 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Celeron 540
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	30 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $5 (MSRP: $86), the Celeron 540 delivers 82 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3532 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Celeron 540
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$86
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$5
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$69
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3532
Release DateLaunch date	2007-01-01
Release Year	2007
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

3 categories

General Information

5 specs

Type	Laptop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$69
Release Date	2007-01-01
Performance Ranking Position	3532

Technical Specifications

7 specs

L3 Cache	1 MB L2 Cache
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	1.86 GHz
Process Technology	65 nm
Allowed Core Voltage	0.95V-1.3V
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-