Intel Core i5-2400 vs Intel Core i3-540. Specifications, performance, tests

Comprehensive background on the processors being compared, detailing their series, generation, and targeted market segment.

• Segment
  Desktop / Server Desktop / Server
• Family
  Intel Core i5 Intel Core i3
• Generation
  2 1
• CPU group
  Intel Core i 2000 Intel Core i 500

Essential parameters including the number of cores, threads, base and turbo frequencies, and cache size. These metrics provide insight into the processor’s speed—higher values generally indicate better performance.

• Frequency
  3.10 GHz 3.06 GHz
• Turbo (1 Core)
  3.40 GHz No turbo
• Hyperthreading
  No Yes
• Overclocking
  No No
• Core architecture
  normal normal

The integrated graphics (iGPU) do not influence the CPU performance significantly; they serve as a substitute for a dedicated graphics card in the absence of one or are utilized in mobile devices.

• GPU name
  Intel HD Graphics 2000 Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)
• GPU frequency
  0.85 GHz 0.50 GHz
• GPU (Turbo)
  1.10 GHz 0.73 GHz
• Execution units
  6 12
• Shader
  48 24
• Max. displays
  2 2
• Generation
  6 5
• Technology
  32 nm 32 nm
• Release date
  Q1/2011 Q1/2010

This section details the built-in codecs used for encoding and decoding media content, which significantly enhance processing speed and efficiency.

• h265 / HEVC (8 bit)
  No No
• h265 / HEVC (10 bit)
  No No
• h264
  Decode / Encode Decode
• VP9
  No No
• VP8
  No No
• AV1
  No No
• AVC
  Decode / Encode Decode
• VC-1
  Decode No
• JPEG
  No No

Overview of the types and quantities of RAM supported by Intel Core i3-540 and Intel Core i5-2400. The supported memory frequencies may vary depending on the motherboard configuration.

• Memory type
  DDR3-1066DDR3-1333 DDR3-1066DDR3-1333
• Max. Memory
  32 GB
• ECC
  No Yes
• Memory channels
  2 2

Analyze the TDP (Thermal Design Power) requirements of Intel Core i5-2400 and Intel Core i3-540 to make an informed decision on the appropriate cooling system. Remember that TDP refers to thermal watts, not electrical watts.

• TDP (PL1)
  95 W 73 W

Information on architecture, interfaces, and additional instructions supported by Intel Core i5-2400 and Intel Core i3-540, including virtual machine technologies and fabrication processes.

• Instruction set (ISA)
  x86-64 (64 bit) x86-64 (64 bit)
• Virtualization
  VT-x, VT-x EPT VT-x, VT-x EPT
• ISA extensions
  SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX SSE4.1, SSE4.2
• L3-Cache
  6.00 MB 4.00 MB
• Architecture
  Sandy Bridge S Clarkdale
• Technology
  32 nm 32 nm
• Socket
  LGA 1155 LGA 1156
• Release date
  Q1/2011 Q1/2010