Intel Core i5-2540M vs Intel Core i3-7100U

VS
Performance
Core i5-2540M7% better
3,65410% of 36,991
Core i3-7100U
3,4289% of 36,991

The Core i5-2540M has 7% better performance than the Core i3-7100U for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

Performance per dollar
Core i5-2540M
No data available
Core i3-7100U
No data available

We do not have any performance per dollar data for the Core i5-2540M and the Core i3-7100U for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

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Summary

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About the Intel Core i5-2540M CPU

The Intel Core i5-2540M is an end-of-life 2-core (4-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. It launched in Q1 2011. It is part of Intel's Core i5 lineup, which is based on the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture. The i5-2540M is compatible with Intel BGA 1023 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 32 nm manufacturing process. It features the Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

The Core i5-2540M supports DDR3 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i5-2540M has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 256 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 3 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i5-2540M features 2 total cores which can process 4 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 2.6 GHz, and it can boost up to 3300.0 MHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is locked, making it incapable of overclocking for pushing performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i5-2540M includes an integrated graphics solution called Intel HD 3000. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance

The Core i5-2540M has the 477th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 9.88% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

About the Intel Core i3-7100U CPU

The Intel Core i3-7100U is a 2-core (4-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. The i3-7100U is compatible with Socket 1356 FCBGA motherboards and is fabricated on a 14 nm manufacturing process. It features the Intel HD Graphics 620 integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

In terms of cache, the Core i3-7100U has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 128 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 512 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 3 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i3-7100U features 2 total cores which can process 4 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 2400.0 MHz, and it can boost up to 15.0 MHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i3-7100U includes an integrated graphics solution called Intel HD Graphics 620. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance

The Core i3-7100U has the 492nd best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 9.27% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

General Info

General overview of the CPU, including details like its manufacturer, release date, launch price, and current production status.

InfoCore i5-2540MCore i3-7100U
ManufacturerIntelIntel
SeriesCore i5--
Market SegmentMobileMobile
Release DateQ1 2011--
Production StatusEnd-of-life--
ShopCheck PriceCheck Price

Benchmark Performance

#
Performance
Core i5-2540M7% better
3,65410% of 36,991
Core i3-7100U
3,4289% of 36,991

The Core i5-2540M has 7% better performance than the Core i3-7100U for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Core i5-2540M is ranked 477th with a score of 3,654, and the Core i3-7100U is ranked 492nd with a score of 3,428.

Performance per dollar
Core i5-2540M
No data available
Core i3-7100U
No data available

We do not have any performance per dollar data for the Core i5-2540M and the Core i3-7100U for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

Relative Performance

The average score in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative performance. Generally, powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

Choose Baseline CPU:Core i5-2540M or
CPUBenchmark Performance
Core i7-4510U3,690.5+1%
Core i7-7Y753,688+1%
Core i5-2540M3,654
Core i5-3210M3,651-0%
Core m3-7Y303,615.5-1%
Core i7-4550U3,447-6%
Core i5-5300U3,439-6%
Core i3-7100U3,428-6%
Athlon 300U3,427-6%
Core i7-4600U3,423.5-6%

Relative Value For Money

The average performance per dollar in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative value. A higher score implies a better value for your money.

Choose Baseline CPU:Core i5-2540M orCore i3-7100U
CPUPerformance Per Dollar
Our database does not have enough data to compare the benchmark performance per dollar with other CPUs.

Benchmark Scores

This table showcases the average performance scores achieved by both CPUs across industry-standard benchmark tests. These scores provide a valuable insight into overall performance. Powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

  • Popular
BenchmarkCore i5-2540MCore i3-7100U
3DMark 11 Performance Physics
3,654
(+6.59%)
3,428
Cinebench R15 Multi-Core
--
256.5
Cinebench R15 Single-Core
--
95
Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core
986
1,573
(+59.53%)
Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core
493
767
(+55.58%)
CPU Mark Multi-Thread
2,356
2,720
(+15.45%)
CPU Mark Single-Thread
1,404
(+1.3%)
1,386
Benchmarks Source: Notebookcheck

Technical Specs

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Manufacturing Details

Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.

SpecCore i5-2540MCore i3-7100U
ManufacturerIntelIntel
FoundryIntel--
Process Size32 nm14 nm
Transistors624 million--

Architecture

CPU architecture specs like its memory channels, memory support, and microarchitecture. Newer CPU architectures can minimize bottlenecks and improve execution efficiency using more advanced techniques.

SpecCore i5-2540MCore i3-7100U
SeriesCore i5--
MicroarchitectureSandy Bridge--
CodenameSandy BridgeKaby Lake-U/Y
Memory SupportDDR3--
Memory ChannelsDual-channel--
ECC MemoryNo--

Cores & Clock Speeds

Processing power information like its cores and clock speed. These specs impact how fast they can handle instructions and tasks. These have a strong impact on the CPU's performance.

SpecCore i5-2540MCore i3-7100U
Cores22
Threads44
Clock Speed2.6 GHz2400.0 MHz
Turbo Clock3300.0 MHz15.0 MHz
Base Clock100 MHz--
Multiplier26.0x--
Multiplier UnlockedNo--

Cache

CPU cache specs like its L1 & L2 cache. These provide the CPU with a small, but super-fast memory access. A larger cache can improve a CPU's performance.

SpecCore i5-2540MCore i3-7100U
L1 Cache64 KB128 KB
L2 Cache256 KB512 KB
L3 Cache3 MB3 MB

Compatibility & Power Consumption

Compatibility and power consumption information like its socket type, thermal design power, power limits. These can help verify the CPU's compatibility with other PC components.

SpecCore i5-2540MCore i3-7100U
SocketIntel BGA 1023Socket 1356 FCBGA
Thermal Design Power (TDP)35 W15 W
TJ Max100 °C100 °C

Graphics, Features, & Extensions

Additional CPU features like its bundled coolers, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.

SpecCore i5-2540MCore i3-7100U
Integrated GraphicsIntel HD 3000Intel HD Graphics 620
Extensions / TechnologiesMMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, TXT, VT-x, VT-d, HTT, Turbo Boost, AES-NI, Smart Cache--

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* Performance rating, performance per dollar, and rankings are based on the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark and MSRP.