Notebookcheck Logo

Intel Core i5-540UM vs Intel Core i5-430M vs Intel Core i5-480M

Intel Core i5-540UM

► remove from comparison

The Intel Core i5-540UM is a Ultra Low Voltage dual-core processor for small and light laptops. It is clocked with 1.2 - 2 GHz (if Turbo Boost is enabled). Each core is based on the Nehalem (Westmere) micro-architecture. Hyperthreading enables the Dual Core CPU to handle 4 threads at once (for a better usage of the pipeline). AES, VT-d and Trusted Execution are activated (compared to the 430UM).

A feature of the new Core i5-540UM is the integrated graphics card (called Intel HD Graphics) and memory controller. Both are on a separate die that is still manufactured in 45nm whereas the CPU die is already manufactured in the new 32nm process.

Due to the integrated memory controller, the HyperThreading and Turbo Boost, the  Core i5-540UM is faster than a similar clocked Core 2 Duo (1.2 GHz) in all (us known) applications and benchmarks. Still the Turbo Boost may not trigger very often (sometimes it is even not activated in the BIOS) and therefore the maximum of 2 GHz may not be important.

The integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD (GMA HD) graphics card is between 166-500 MHz (Turbo Boost) and therefore the base speed is clearly below the non low voltage versions. The performance should still be faster than the old GMA 4500MHD.

The power consumption of 18 Watt TDP (max.) counts for the whole package and therefore it is clearly better than the 17 Watt TDP of the Core 2 Duo SL-series (CPU alone).

Intel Core i5-430M

► remove from comparison Intel 430M

The Intel Core i5-430M is a fast middle class dual core CPU for laptops and clocks (due to the Turbo Mode) from 2.26 to 2.53 GHz. Each core is based on the Nehalem (Westmere) micro-architecture. Hyperthreading enables the Dual Core CPU to handle 4 threads at once (for a better usage of the pipeline). Compared to the faster Core i7-620M, the 430M only has 3 MB Level 3 Cache, missing VT-d, Trusted Execution, and AES features and a lower clock speed.

A feature of the new Core i5-430M is the integrated graphics card (called Intel HD Graphics) and memory controller. Both are on a separate die that is still manufactured in 45nm whereas the CPU die is already manufactured in the new 32nm process.

Due to the integrated memory controller, the HyperThreading and Turbo Boost, the  Core i5-430M is faster than a similar clocked Core 2 Duo in all (us known) applications and benchmarks. In fact, the 430M even came close to a fast Core 2 Duo T9600 (2.8 GHz) in some benchmarks (e.g. Cinebench 10 Multi Threaded). This means the 430M is a fast middle class - performance CPU and much faster than the top AMD model, the Turion II Ultra M660 (at the time of announcement).

The 32nm cpu cores of the Westmere generation can also process some new instructions to accelerate AES encryptions. Still, these functions are deactivated on the Core i5-430M leading to some performance drawbacks in modern applications that support AES encoding using the new instructions (e.g. the Communications Suite test in the PCMark Vantage boosts up to 70% using AES in the faster Core i5-520M).

The integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD (GMA HD) graphics card is between 500-766 MHz (Turbo Boost) and is clearly faster than the old GMA 4500MHD. A GeForce 9400M (ION) should still be a faster (especially as Nvidia and ATI cards have a better driver support than Intel up to now). The Turbo Boost can overclock the Intel HD Graphics up to 733 MHz when the cores are not fully used.

The power consumption of 35 Watt TDP (max.) counts for the whole package and therefore it is clearly better than the 35 Watt TDP of the Core 2 Duo T-series (CPU alone).

Intel Core i5-480M

► remove from comparison Intel 480M

The Intel Core i5-480M is a mid-range dual core CPU for laptops and clocks (due to the Turbo Mode) from 2.66 to 2.9 GHz. Each core is based on the Nehalem (Westmere) micro-architecture. Hyperthreading enables the Dual Core CPU to handle 4 threads at once (for a better usage of the pipeline). Compared to the Core i5-540M, the 480M does most likely not support AES, VT-d and Trusted Execution functions and features a slower Turbo Boost (2.9 versus 3.06 GHz). However, the base clock rate is slightly higher.

A feature of the new Core i5-480M is the integrated graphics card called GMA HD and memory controller. Both are on a separate die that is still manufactured in 45nm whereas the CPU die is already manufactured in the new 32nm process.

The performance of the Core i5-480M is on average faster than a 2.8 GHz Core 2 Duo T9800 and in some benchmarks even faster than the fastest Core 2 Duo T9900 (e.g. 3DMark 06 CPU Score). Therefore, the Core i5-480M is a high end dual core cpu which should handle all daily work and gaming tasks. Only the quad core i7 CPUs can be noticeably faster at tasks that require four or more threads (e.g. rendering).

The integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD (GMA HD) graphics card is known to be clocked up to 500-766 MHz and should be clearly faster than the old GMA 4500MHD. A GeForce 9400M (ION) should still be a faster (especially as Nvidia and ATI cards have a better driver support than Intel up to now). According to rumors, the GMA core will also use the Turbo Mode regulate the clock speed.

The power consumption of 35 Watt TDP (max.) counts for the whole package and therefore it is clearly better than the 35 Watt TDP of the Core 2 Duo T-series (CPU alone). Due to the Turbo Boost, the Core i5 is likely to use the whole TDP of 35 Watt under load and therefore can use more power than a similar specified Core 2 Duo. In Idle mode, the i5 uses clearly less power than the Core 2 Duo CPUs.

ModelIntel Core i5-540UMIntel Core i5-430MIntel Core i5-480M
SeriesIntel Core i5Intel Core i5Intel Core i5
CodenameArrandaleArrandaleArrandale
Series: Core i5 Arrandale
Intel Core i5-580M2.67 - 3.33 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-560M2.67 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-480M2.67 - 2.93 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-540M2.53 - 3.07 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-460M2.53 - 2.8 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-520M2.4 - 2.93 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-450M2.4 - 2.66 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-430M2.26 - 2.53 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-560UM1.33 - 2.13 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-470UM1.33 - 1.87 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-540UM « 1.2 - 2 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-520UM1.06 - 1.87 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-430UM1.2 - 1.73 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-580M2.67 - 3.33 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-560M2.67 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-480M2.67 - 2.93 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-540M2.53 - 3.07 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-460M2.53 - 2.8 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-520M2.4 - 2.93 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-450M2.4 - 2.66 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-430M « 2.26 - 2.53 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-560UM1.33 - 2.13 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-470UM1.33 - 1.87 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-540UM1.2 - 2 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-520UM1.06 - 1.87 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-430UM1.2 - 1.73 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-580M2.67 - 3.33 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-560M2.67 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-480M « 2.67 - 2.93 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-540M2.53 - 3.07 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-460M2.53 - 2.8 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-520M2.4 - 2.93 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-450M2.4 - 2.66 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-430M2.26 - 2.53 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-560UM1.33 - 2.13 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-470UM1.33 - 1.87 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-540UM1.2 - 2 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-520UM1.06 - 1.87 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Intel Core i5-430UM1.2 - 1.73 GHz2 / 4 cores3 MB L3
Clock1200 - 2000 MHz2260 - 2533 MHz2666 - 2933 MHz
FSB250025002400
L2 Cache512 KB512 KB512 KB
L3 Cache3 MB3 MB3 MB
Cores / Threads2 / 42 / 42 / 4
TDP18 Watt35 Watt35 Watt
Transistors382+177 Million177 Million382+177 Million
Technology32 nm32 nm32 nm
Die Size81+114 mm2144 mm281+114 mm2
max. Temp.105 °C105 °C105 °C
SocketBGA1288BGA1288, PGA988BGA1288, PGA988
FeaturesIntel HD Graphics 166-500MHz, DDR3-800 Memory Controller, Turbo Boost, Hyper-Threading, Virtualization Technology VT-x, Intel 64, Idle States, Enhanced Speedstep, Thermal Monitoring, Fast Memory Access, Flex Memory Access, Execute Disable BitTurbo Boost, Hyper Threading, Enhanced Speedstep, integrierte GMA HD 500-733MHz, SSE4.1, SSE4.2integrated DDR3 memory controller, GMA HD Graphics (500-766MHz), MMX, SSE (1,2,3,3S, 4.1, 3.2), EM64T, VT-x
Architecturex86x86x86
$250 U.S.
Announced
Manufacturerark.intel.comark.intel.comark.intel.com
L1 Cache128 KB128 KB

Benchmarks

Cinebench R11.5 - Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64 Bit
100%
1 430M +
min: 1.56     avg: 2     median: 2 (3%)     max: 2.09 Points
113%
1 480M +
min: 2.18     avg: 2.3     median: 2.3 (3%)     max: 2.37 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (32bit)
100%
1 430M +
min: 2573     avg: 2736     median: 2748 (17%)     max: 2953 Points
116%
1 480M +
min: 3130     avg: 3192     median: 3191 (19%)     max: 3248 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (32bit)
100%
1 430M +
min: 5073     avg: 6300     median: 6357 (5%)     max: 6591 Points
111%
1 480M +
min: 6939     avg: 7187     median: 7080 (5%)     max: 7553 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (64bit)
100%
1 430M +
min: 5917     avg: 7558     median: 7717.5 (5%)     max: 7937 Points
111%
1 480M +
min: 8159     avg: 8558     median: 8556 (6%)     max: 8969 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (64bit)
100%
1 430M +
min: 2954     avg: 3350     median: 3372 (4%)     max: 3454 Points
116%
1 480M +
min: 3831     avg: 3928     median: 3912 (5%)     max: 4030 Points
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 1024m *
100%
1 430M +
min: 407.4     avg: 727     median: 642 (8%)     max: 1602 s
101%
1 480M +
min: 539     avg: 564     median: 557 (7%)     max: 600 s
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 32m *
100%
1 430M +
min: 12.68     avg: 23.5     median: 20.7 (4%)     max: 54 s
101%
1 480M +
min: 17     avg: 18     median: 18 (4%)     max: 19.19 s
3DMark 06 - CPU - 3DMark 06 - CPU
100%
1 430M +
min: 2330     avg: 2568     median: 2584 (5%)     max: 2654 Points
114%
1 480M +
min: 2579     avg: 2880     median: 2954 (6%)     max: 3093 Points
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M *
100%
1 430M +
min: 16     avg: 17.5     median: 17.7 (4%)     max: 18 s
101%
1 480M +
min: 15     avg: 15     median: 15 (3%)     max: 15.2 s
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M *
100%
1 430M +
min: 38     avg: 41.4     median: 41.3 (2%)     max: 43.85 s
100%
1 480M +
min: 35     avg: 36.1     median: 36 (2%)     max: 37 s
Super Pi Mod 1.5 XS 32M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 32M *
100%
1 430M +
min: 900     avg: 962     median: 962 (4%)     max: 1034 s
101%
1 480M +
min: 842     avg: 852     median: 851 (4%)     max: 866 s
SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS) - SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS)
100%
1 430M +
min: 27890     avg: 29299     median: 28910 (14%)     max: 31740 MIPS
132%
1 480M +
min: 33210     avg: 38100     median: 38100 (18%)     max: 42990 MIPS
SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS) - SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS)
100%
1 430M +
min: 22500     avg: 23713     median: 23820 (18%)     max: 26530 MFLOPS
125%
1 480M +
min: 29000     avg: 29750     median: 29750 (23%)     max: 30500 MFLOPS
PCMark 05 - PCMark 05 - Standard
100%
1 430M +
min: 5506     avg: 6342     median: 6525.5 (13%)     max: 6809 Points
118%
1 480M +
7718 Points (16%)
Windows 7 Experience Index - Win7 CPU
100%
1 430M +
min: 6.3     avg: 6.6     median: 6.7 (86%)     max: 6.7 Points
103%
1 480M +
min: 6.8     avg: 6.9     median: 6.9 (88%)     max: 6.9 Points
3DMark Vantage - 3DM Vant. Perf. CPU no Physx
100%
1 430M +
min: 6803     avg: 7160     median: 7189.5 (6%)     max: 7366 Points
109%
1 480M +
min: 7113     avg: 7765     median: 7845 (7%)     max: 8255 Points
3DMark 11 - 3DM11 Performance Physics
100%
1 430M +
2594 Points (7%)
106%
1 480M +
min: 2640     avg: 2744     median: 2741 (7%)     max: 2854 Points
3DMark - 3DMark Ice Storm Physics
100%
1 430M +
27418 Points (22%)
3DMark - 3DMark Cloud Gate Physics
100%
1 430M +
2190 Points (6%)
3DMark - 3DMark Fire Strike Standard Physics
100%
1 430M +
3173 Points (6%)

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i5-430M → 0% n=

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i5-480M → 0% n=

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

v1.26
log 28. 20:06:17

#0 checking url part for id 999 +0s ... 0s

#1 checking url part for id 535 +0s ... 0s

#2 checking url part for id 1519 +0s ... 0s

#3 not redirecting to Ajax server +0s ... 0s

#4 did not recreate cache, as it is less than 5 days old! Created at Thu, 28 Mar 2024 05:35:32 +0100 +0.001s ... 0.001s

#5 composed specs +0.026s ... 0.027s

#6 did output specs +0s ... 0.027s

#7 getting avg benchmarks for device 999 +0.003s ... 0.03s

#8 got single benchmarks 999 +0.007s ... 0.037s

#9 getting avg benchmarks for device 535 +0.003s ... 0.04s

#10 got single benchmarks 535 +0.159s ... 0.198s

#11 getting avg benchmarks for device 1519 +0.003s ... 0.201s

#12 got single benchmarks 1519 +0.049s ... 0.25s

#13 got avg benchmarks for devices +0s ... 0.25s

#14 min, max, avg, median took s +0.134s ... 0.383s

#15 return log +0s ... 0.383s

Please share our article, every link counts!
> 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)