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Intel Core i5-2540M vs Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 vs Intel Core i5-2430M

Intel Core i5-2540M

► remove from comparison Intel 2540M

The Intel Core i5-2540M is a fast high end dual core processor at the time of introduction in Q1 2011. It is based on the Sandy Bridge architecture and offers Hyperthreading to handle 4 threads at once (for a better usage of the pipeline). Compared to the faster Core i7, the i5 offers a smaller last level cache of 3MB. The base clock speed is 2.6 GHz but due to Turbo Boost it can reach 3.1 GHz (2 cores active) and 3.3 GHz (1 core active).

Sandy Bridge is the evolutionary successor of the Arrandale architecture. The most noteable improvements are the new 256Bit AVX instructions, the improved Turbo 2.0 and the integration of the graphics card into the 32nm CPU core. 

Der i5-2540M offers an integrated graphics card ( Intel HD Graphics 3000) which is clearly faster then the older Intel HD Graphics in the Arrandale CPUs. As the new GPU is included in the CPU, it is also manufactured in 32nm and shares the fast level 3 cache with the CPU cores (using a new ring bus). In the 2540M it is clocked from  650-1300MHz (Turbo Boost).

Furthermore, an improved dual-channel DDR3 memory controller is included on the CPU die that is used by the CPU and GPU part.

Due to the improved architecture and the new Turbo Boost 2.0, the average performance of the Core i5-2540M is higher than a similar clocked Arrandale Core i5. In synthetic benchmarks the performance should be on a level to the old Core i7-620M and therefore suited for even demanding tasks.

The 35W TDP rating includes the integrated GPU and memory controller.

Intel Core 2 Duo T8300

► remove from comparison

The Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 was at the time of announcement a fast dual-core CPU for laptops with 3 MB level 2 cache. It is based on the Penryn core with all features enabled (but without the full 6MB level 2 cache). The later announced Core 2 Duo P7450 was cheaper and used less power.

Intel Core i5-2430M

► remove from comparison Intel 2430M

The Intel Core i5-2430M is a fast dual core processor at the time of introduction in Q3 2011. It is based on the Sandy Bridge architecture and offers Hyperthreading to handle 4 threads at once (for a better usage of the pipeline). Compared to the faster Core i7, the i5 offers a smaller last level cache of 3MB. The base clock speed is 2.4 GHz but due to Turbo Boost it can reach 2.7 GHz (2 cores active) and 3 GHz (1 core active). Compared to the 2510M, the 2430M does not support VT-d and Trusted Execution functions.

Sandy Bridge is the evolutionary successor of the Arrandale architecture. The most noteable improvements is the improved Turbo 2.0 and the integration of the graphics card into the 32nm CPU core. 

The i5-2430M offers an integrated graphics card (Intel HD Graphics 3000) which is clearly faster then the older Intel HD Graphics in the Arrandale CPUs. As the new GPU is included in the CPU, it is also manufactured in 32nm and shares the fast level 3 cache with the CPU cores (using a new ring bus). In the 2430M it is clocked from  650-1200MHz (with Turbo Boost). The faster Sandy Bridge CPUs are clocked up to 1300 MHz (like the i5-2520M or the otherwise nearly similar i5-2435M).

Furthermore, an improved dual-channel DDR3 memory controller is included on the CPU die that is used by the CPU and GPU part.

Due to the improved architecture and the new Turbo Boost 2.0, the average performance of the Core i5-2430M is higher than a similar clocked Arrandale Core i5. In our benchmarks, the 2430M was able to beat the fast Intel Core i5-560M with 2.7-3.2GHz and is therefore suited for even demanding tasks.

The 35W TDP rating includes the integrated GPU and memory controller.

ModelIntel Core i5-2540MIntel Core 2 Duo T8300Intel Core i5-2430M
CodenameSandy BridgePenrynSandy Bridge
SeriesIntel Core i5Intel Core 2 DuoIntel Core i5
Series: Core i5 Sandy Bridge
Intel Core i5-2540M « 2.6 - 3.3 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-2520M2.5 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-2450M2.5 - 3.1 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-2435M2.4 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-2430M2.4 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-2415M2.3 - 2.9 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-2410M2.3 - 2.9 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-2557M1.7 - 2.7 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-2467M1.6 - 2.3 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-2537M1.4 - 2.3 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core 2 Duo T99003.06 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo T98002.92 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo P97002.8 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo T96002.8 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo P96002.66 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo T95502.66 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo T95002.6 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo SP96002.53 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo P95002.53 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo T94002.53 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo P88002.66 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo T93002.5 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo P87002.53 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo SP94002.4 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo P86002.4 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 « 2.4 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo SP93002.26 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo P84002.26 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo P75702.26 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo P75502.26 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo T67702.3 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo SL96002.13 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo P74502.13 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo T66702.2 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo T66002.2 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo T81002.1 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo P73702 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo P73502 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo T65702.1 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo T65002.1 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo SL94001.86 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo SL93801.8 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo T64002 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo SL93001.6 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo SU96001.6 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo SU94001.4 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo SU73001.3 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core 2 Duo SU93001.2 GHz2 / 2 cores
Intel Core i5-2540M2.6 - 3.3 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-2520M2.5 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-2450M2.5 - 3.1 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-2435M2.4 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-2430M « 2.4 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-2415M2.3 - 2.9 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-2410M2.3 - 2.9 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-2557M1.7 - 2.7 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-2467M1.6 - 2.3 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-2537M1.4 - 2.3 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Clock2600 - 3300 MHz2400 MHz2400 - 3000 MHz
L1 Cache128 KB128 KB
L2 Cache512 KB3 MB512 KB
L3 Cache3 MB3 MB
Cores / Threads2 / 42 / 22 / 4
TDP35 Watt35 Watt35 Watt
Transistors624 Million410 Million624 Million
Technology32 nm45 nm32 nm
Die Size149 mm2107 mm2149 mm2
max. Temp.100 °C105 °C100 °C
SocketrPGA988B, BGA1023BGA479, PGA478PPGA988
FeaturesHD Graphics 3000 (650-1300MHz), DDR3-1066/1333 Memory Controller (max 8GB), HyperThreading, AVX, Quick Sync, VirtualizationVirtualization (VT-x), Intel 64, Idle States, Enhanced Speedstep, Execute Disable BitHD Graphics 3000, DDR3-1066/1333 Memory Controller (max 8GB), HyperThreading, AVX, Quick Sync, Virtualization
iGPUIntel HD Graphics 3000 (650 - 1300 MHz)Intel HD Graphics 3000 (650 - 1200 MHz)
Architecturex86x86x86
$266 U.S.$241 U.S.$225 U.S.
Announced
Manufacturerark.intel.comark.intel.comark.intel.com
FSB800
Voltage1-1.25V V

Benchmarks

Cinebench R11.5 - Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64 Bit
100%
1 2540M +
min: 2.77     avg: 2.9     median: 3 (4%)     max: 2.98 Points
90%
1 2430M +
min: 2.32     avg: 2.6     median: 2.7 (3%)     max: 2.71 Points
Cinebench R11.5 - Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64 Bit
100%
1 2540M +
1.3 Points (30%)
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (32bit)
min: 3923     avg: 4135     median: 4171 (25%)     max: 4234 Points
min: 2406     avg: 2612     median: 2626 (16%)     max: 2704 Points
min: 3410     avg: 3741     median: 3787 (23%)     max: 3853 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (32bit)
min: 8386     avg: 8998     median: 9109 (7%)     max: 9259 Points
min: 3918     avg: 4773     median: 4837 (4%)     max: 4965 Points
min: 7068     avg: 8075     median: 8222 (6%)     max: 8303 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (64bit)
100%
1 2540M +
min: 10077     avg: 10797     median: 10935.5 (7%)     max: 11242 Points
91%
1 2430M +
min: 8767     avg: 9782     median: 9912 (6%)     max: 10170 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (64bit)
100%
1 2540M +
min: 4816     avg: 5105     median: 5194 (6%)     max: 5276 Points
91%
1 2430M +
min: 4425     avg: 4696     median: 4723 (6%)     max: 4809 Points
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 1024m *
100%
1 2540M +
min: 511     avg: 545     median: 537.5 (6%)     max: 595 s
90%
1 2430M +
min: 564     avg: 596     median: 596 (7%)     max: 628 s
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 32m *
100%
1 2540M +
min: 16.16     avg: 17.4     median: 17.2 (3%)     max: 19.16 s
91%
1 2430M +
min: 17.7     avg: 18.9     median: 18.9 (4%)     max: 20.08 s
WinRAR - WinRAR 4.0
100%
1 2540M +
2229 Points (4%)
100%
1 2430M +
2236 Points (4%)
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 - x264 Pass 2
100%
1 2430M +
14.7 fps (0%)
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 - x264 Pass 1
100%
1 2430M +
76.5 fps (2%)
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt Serpent
100%
1 2540M +
0.1 GB/s (4%)
88%
1 2430M +
0.1 GB/s (4%)
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt Twofish
100%
1 2540M +
0.3 GB/s (4%)
88%
1 2430M +
0.2 GB/s (4%)
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt AES
100%
1 2540M +
1.5 GB/s (4%)
93%
1 2430M +
1.4 GB/s (4%)
3DMark 06 - CPU - 3DMark 06 - CPU
min: 3334     avg: 3632     median: 3682 (8%)     max: 3701 Points
min: 1986     avg: 2121     median: 2143 (5%)     max: 2181 Points
min: 2878     avg: 3219     median: 3310.5 (7%)     max: 3375 Points
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M *
min: 12     avg: 12.2     median: 12 (3%)     max: 13 s
min: 20     avg: 20.8     median: 21 (5%)     max: 21 s
min: 13     avg: 13.1     median: 13 (3%)     max: 13.4 s
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M *
min: 27     avg: 28.6     median: 28.3 (1%)     max: 30 s
min: 50     avg: 50.5     median: 50.5 (2%)     max: 51 s
min: 30     avg: 30.4     median: 30.1 (1%)     max: 31 s
Super Pi Mod 1.5 XS 32M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 32M *
min: 644     avg: 668     median: 663 (3%)     max: 699 s
1206 s (5%)
min: 694     avg: 723     median: 716.5 (3%)     max: 765 s
SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS) - SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS)
min: 48900     avg: 53760     median: 51870 (25%)     max: 60510 MIPS
22062 MIPS (10%)
min: 47280     avg: 50975     median: 50975 (24%)     max: 54670 MIPS
SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS) - SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS)
min: 34400     avg: 36297     median: 36840 (28%)     max: 37650 MFLOPS
17583 MFLOPS (13%)
min: 33000     avg: 33345     median: 33345 (26%)     max: 33690 MFLOPS
PCMark 05 - PCMark 05 - Standard
100%
1 T8300 +
min: 4358     avg: 5255     median: 5311 (11%)     max: 6090 Points
Windows Vista Experience Index - Windows Vista Leistungsindex - Prozessor
100%
1 T8300 +
min: 4     avg: 5.1     median: 5.3 (76%)     max: 5.4 Points
Windows 7 Experience Index - Win7 CPU
100%
1 2540M +
7.1 Points (91%)
97%
1 2430M +
min: 5.6     avg: 6.8     median: 6.9 (88%)     max: 7 Points
3DMark Vantage - 3DM Vant. Perf. CPU no Physx
min: 9338     avg: 9775     median: 9869.5 (8%)     max: 10023 Points
4628 Points (4%)
min: 7748     avg: 9479     median: 8750 (7%)     max: 16921 Points
3DMark 11 - 3DM11 Performance Physics
100%
1 2540M +
min: 3439     avg: 3646     median: 3654 (9%)     max: 3836 Points
93%
1 2430M +
min: 3084     avg: 3382     median: 3407.5 (8%)     max: 3631 Points
3DMark - 3DMark Ice Storm Physics
100%
1 2540M +
29608 Points (24%)
3DMark - 3DMark Cloud Gate Physics
100%
1 2540M +
2707 Points (7%)

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i5-2540M → 100% n=9

Average Benchmarks Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 → 53% n=9

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i5-2430M → 92% n=9

- Range of benchmark values for this graphics card
red legend - Average benchmark values for this graphics card
* Smaller numbers mean a higher performance
1 This benchmark is not used for the average calculation

v1.33
log 01. 06:53:27

#0 ran 0s before starting gpusingle class +0s ... 0s

#1 checking url part for id 1495 +0s ... 0s

#2 checking url part for id 379 +0s ... 0s

#3 checking url part for id 2673 +0s ... 0s

#4 redirected to Ajax server, took 1759294407s time from redirect:0 +0s ... 0s

#5 did not recreate cache, as it is less than 5 days old! Created at Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:17:55 +0200 +0s ... 0s

#6 composed specs +0.006s ... 0.007s

#7 did output specs +0s ... 0.007s

#8 getting avg benchmarks for device 1495 +0.001s ... 0.007s

#9 got single benchmarks 1495 +0.011s ... 0.018s

#10 getting avg benchmarks for device 379 +0.001s ... 0.019s

#11 got single benchmarks 379 +0.011s ... 0.03s

#12 getting avg benchmarks for device 2673 +0.001s ... 0.03s

#13 got single benchmarks 2673 +0.022s ... 0.052s

#14 got avg benchmarks for devices +0s ... 0.052s

#15 min, max, avg, median took s +0.024s ... 0.076s

#16 return log +0s ... 0.076s

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Benchmarks / Tech > Processor Comparison - Head 2 Head
Redaktion, 2017-09- 8 (Update: 2023-07- 1)