Intel Core i5-2540M
Intel Core i5-2550k
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Intel Core i5-2540M vs Intel Core i5-2550k. Specifications, performance, tests

Overall score
star star star star star
Released
Q1/2011
Intel Core i5-2540M
Intel Core i5-2540M
Released
Q1/2012
Overall score
star star star star star
Intel Core i5-2550k
Intel Core i5-2550k

Compare Intel Core i5-2540M VS Intel Core i5-2550k. Which processor delivers superior performance?

In this detailed comparison, we evaluate the specifications and benchmarks of both processors to determine the best choice for your needs. We analyze their core counts, maximum frequencies, and power consumption.

Intel Core i5-2540M boasts a maximum frequency of 2.60 GHz GHz. 2 cores that enhance multitasking capabilities.With a power consumption of 35 W W, it ensures efficient performance.Released in Q1/2011, it incorporates the latest technology for optimal efficiency.

Intel Core i5-2550k features a maximum frequency of 3.40 GHz GHz. 4 cores designed for high-performance tasks.Its power consumption is 95 W W, providing a balance of power and efficiency.Launched in Q1/2012, it is built to handle demanding applications.

Differences

  • Performance per watt

    times less performance per watt

    35 W left arrow 95 W

Positions in all rankings

Common positions Intel Core i5-2540M CPU in popular benchmarks, for comparison with other models.

  • Geekbench 5, 64bit (Multi-Core)
    1145 place
  • iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)
    1236 place
  • Higher clock speed

    Around 24% better clock speed

    3.40 GHz left arrow 2.60 GHz
  • More number of cores

    About 2 times more cores

    4 left arrow 2
  • Higher turbo clock speed

    Around 13 % better overclocked clock speed

    3.80 GHz left arrow 3.30 GHz

Positions in all rankings

Common positions Intel Core i5-2550k CPU in popular benchmarks, for comparison with other models.

  • Geekbench 5, 64bit (Multi-Core)
    867 place

Specifications

Technical data
Intel Core i5-2540M Intel Core i5-2540M
Intel Core i5-2550k Intel Core i5-2550k
CPU family and group

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

  • Segment
    Mobile left arrow Desktop / Server
  • Family
    Intel Core i5 left arrow Intel Core i5
  • Generation
    2 left arrow 2
  • CPU group
    Intel Core i 2000M left arrow Intel Core i 2000
CPU Technical specs

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
    2.60 GHz left arrow 3.40 GHz
  • CPU Cores
    2 left arrow 4
  • Turbo (1 Core)
    3.30 GHz left arrow 3.80 GHz
  • CPU Threads
    4 left arrow 4
  • Hyperthreading
    Yes left arrow No
  • Overclocking
    No left arrow Yes
  • Core architecture
    normal left arrow normal
IGPU

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 3000 left arrow no iGPU
  • GPU frequency
    0.65 GHz left arrow
  • GPU (Turbo)
    1.30 GHz left arrow No turbo
  • Execution units
    12 left arrow
  • Shader
    96 left arrow
  • Max. displays
    2 left arrow
  • Generation
    6 left arrow
  • DirectX Version
    10.1 left arrow
  • Technology
    32 nm left arrow
  • Release date
    Q1/2011 left arrow
Hardware codec support

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 left arrow No
  • h265 / HEVC (10 bit)
    No left arrow No
  • h264
    Decode / Encode left arrow No
  • VP9
    No left arrow No
  • VP8
    No left arrow No
  • AV1
    No left arrow No
  • AVC
    Decode / Encode left arrow No
  • VC-1
    Decode left arrow No
  • JPEG
    No left arrow No
Memory specs & PCI

Overview of the types and quantities of RAM supported by Intel Core i5-2550k and Intel Core i5-2540M. The supported memory frequencies may vary depending on the motherboard configuration.

  • Memory type
    DDR3-1066DDR3-1333 left arrow DDR3-1333
  • Max. Memory
    16 GB left arrow 32 GB
  • ECC
    No left arrow No
  • Memory channels
    2 left arrow 2
  • PCIe version
    2.0 left arrow 2.0
  • PCIe lanes
    16 left arrow 16
Encryption
  • AES-NI
    Yes left arrow Yes
Thermal Management

Analyze the TDP (Thermal Design Power) requirements of Intel Core i5-2540M and Intel Core i5-2550k to make an informed decision on the appropriate cooling system. Remember that TDP refers to thermal watts, not electrical watts.

  • TDP (PL1)
    35 W left arrow 95 W
  • Tjunction max.
    100 °C left arrow --
Technologies and extensions

Information on architecture, interfaces, and additional instructions supported by Intel Core i5-2540M and Intel Core i5-2550k, including virtual machine technologies and fabrication processes.

  • Instruction set (ISA)
    x86-64 (64 bit) left arrow x86-64 (64 bit)
  • Virtualization
    VT-x, VT-x EPT left arrow VT-x, VT-x EPT
  • ISA extensions
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX left arrow SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX
  • L3-Cache
    3.00 MB left arrow 6.00 MB
  • Architecture
    Sandy Bridge H left arrow Sandy Bridge S
  • Technology
    32 nm left arrow 32 nm
  • Socket
    BGA 1023 left arrow LGA 1155
  • Release date
    Q1/2011 left arrow Q1/2012

Benchmarks

Performance tests CPUs

By analyzing the results from various benchmarks, you can gain a clearer understanding of the performance differences between Intel Core i5-2540M and Intel Core i5-2550k.

Compare the synthetic benchmark scores and make an informed decision on the best processor for your needs!

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