Celeron G540T
CPU·Budget

Celeron G540T

Intel

PassMark

1,137

MSRP

$42

AVG Price

$42

2007-01-01
35 Watt
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)

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.

Overview

The Celeron G540T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,137 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 G540T

#868
Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
MSRP: $4999|Avg: $4999
105%
#869
Celeron 420
MSRP: $39|Avg: $15
105%
#870
Core i5-2405S
MSRP: $309|Avg: $120
105%
#871
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
MSRP: $3990|Avg: $2850
104%
#872
Athlon 64 2800+
MSRP: $178|Avg: $15
103%
#873
Core i5-4670K
MSRP: $328|Avg: $200
103%
#874
Celeron G4900
MSRP: $42|Avg: $85
103%
#875
Celeron D 352
MSRP: $69|Avg: $15
103%
#876
Core i3-4350
MSRP: $138|Avg: $130
103%
#877
Ryzen Embedded V3C18I
MSRP: $500|Avg: $500
102%
#878
A10-7860K
MSRP: $117|Avg: N/A
102%
#879
Pentium G6951
MSRP: $89|Avg: $50
102%
#880
Core i3-8350K
MSRP: $250|Avg: $250
102%
#881
Athlon 64 3400+
MSRP: $440|Avg: $20
101%
#882
Celeron G3900T
MSRP: $42|Avg: $70
100%
#883
Celeron G540T
MSRP: $42|Avg: $42
100%
#884
Ryzen Embedded V1807B
MSRP: $300|Avg: $300
99%
#885
Celeron 2.40
MSRP: $69|Avg: $13
98%
#886
Pentium 4 2.53
MSRP: $193|Avg: $13
98%
#887
Ryzen Embedded R2312
MSRP: $150|Avg: $150
97%
#888
Ryzen Threadripper 7980X
MSRP: $4999|Avg: $5200
97%
#889
Core i3-3220
MSRP: $117|Avg: $88
96%
#890
Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
MSRP: $1799|Avg: $1247
95%
#891
Core i5-670
MSRP: $284|Avg: $100
94%
#892
Core i7-5930K
MSRP: $583|Avg: $410
93%
#893
Phenom II X3 720
MSRP: $130|Avg: $64
92%
#894
Sempron 3100+
MSRP: $65|Avg: $15
92%
#895
Core i7-3770S
MSRP: $250|Avg: $250
91%
#896
A10 PRO-7850B
MSRP: $426|Avg: $140
91%
#897
Pentium G4620
MSRP: $86|Avg: $154
90%
#898
Core i3-4370T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $138
90%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Celeron G540T across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Celeron G540T specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Celeron G540T is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.1 GHz from a base frequency of 2.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 2 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,137, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 384, while multi-core reaches 655.

SpecificationCeleron G540T
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.1 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designSandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores2 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor131 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities504 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)65 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,137
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming384
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance655
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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G540T fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCeleron G540T
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion16
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR3-1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorIntel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUH61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
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Advanced Features

The Celeron G540T is primarily designed for Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium G630T.

SpecificationCeleron G540T
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryDesktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerPentium G630T
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Celeron G540T has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 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: Passive/Low-Profile.

SpecificationCeleron G540T
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)65 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNone
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionPassive/Low-Profile
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $42, the Celeron G540T delivers 27 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2995 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCeleron G540T
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$42
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$42
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$69
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2995
Release DateLaunch date2007-01-01
Release Year2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Specifications Reference

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

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Typedesktop
DesignerIntel
Launch Price$69
ManufacturerIntel
Release Date2007-01-01
Architecture CodenameSandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Performance Ranking Position2995

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores2
Threads2
Die Size131 mm2
L1 Cache64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache2 MB (total)
Bus Speed5 GT/s
Max Frequency2.1 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency2.1 GHz
Transistor Count504 million
Process Technology32 nm
Max Core Temperature65 °C
Windows 11 Compatible-

Compatibility

4 specs

SocketLGA1155
PCIe GenerationPCIe 2.0
Power Consumption (TDP)35 Watt
Max Processors In Config1

Memory

4 specs

RAM TypesDDR3
Memory Channels2
Memory Bandwidth17 GB/s
Max Memory Capacity32 GB

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