CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3340M vs Intel Core i5-2540M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3340M is a dual-core, quad-thread Ivy Bridge mobile processor in a socketed FC-PGA12F package for Intel Socket G2, offering 2.7 GHz base and 3.4 GHz turbo clocks with Intel HD 4000 graphics and TXT security, representing one of the fastest dual-core mobile CPUs of its generation.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
The 3.4 GHz turbo provides a small but noticeable improvement over the i5-3230M in single-threaded tasks.
Handles basic office tasks but struggles with large spreadsheets, heavy documents, or multitasking with many browser tabs.
Gaming
HD 4000 at 1250 MHz turbo is slightly better than lower-clocked variants but still only suitable for very old games.
Cannot run modern AAA titles. Only suitable for very old or lightweight games at low resolutions.
Virtualization
Full VT-x, VT-d, and TXT support make this well-equipped for enterprise virtualization scenarios within its two-core limit.
Can run a single lightweight VM but lacks the cores and memory bandwidth for serious virtualization.
Efficiency
Standard 35 W mobile power consumption, identical to other Ivy Bridge dual-core parts.
35 W TDP is high by modern mobile standards; current chips deliver far more performance per watt.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- No AVX2 instruction support
- Completely unsuitable for AI workloads
- No AI acceleration instructions
- No NPU or matrix multiplication support
- Cannot run modern AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4000 at 1250 MHz turbo is the best integrated graphics in the Ivy Bridge dual-core lineup
- Still fundamentally limited for any modern gaming
- Can handle older titles like Minecraft and Source engine games at low settings better than lower-clocked variants
- Intel HD 3000 lacks modern API support
- No DirectX 12 or Vulkan support
- Only playable with pre-2012 titles at low settings
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Highest turbo frequency (3.4 GHz) of any socketed Ivy Bridge dual-core
- TXT Trusted Execution Technology for enterprise security
- Higher HD 4000 turbo (1250 MHz) than i5-3230M
- Socket G2 allows drop-in upgrades from Sandy Bridge
- Complete enterprise feature set: VT-x, VT-d, TXT, AES-NI
Cons
- Still only two cores, fundamentally limiting for modern workloads
- No AVX2 instruction support
- 35 W TDP constrains thin laptop designs
- Socket G2 platform is dead with no further upgrade path
- Quad-core i7 upgrades may offer better value on the same platform
Pros
- AES-NI hardware encryption support
- Reliable and well-tested platform
- Widely available as spare parts
- Intel HD 3000 was a meaningful graphics improvement for its era
- VT-x and VT-d virtualization support
Cons
- Only 2 cores and 4 threads
- No DirectX 12 or modern graphics API support
- 35 W TDP is high for the performance delivered
- Maximum 16 GB DDR3 memory support
- Completely obsolete for any modern demanding workload
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-3340M
- AMD A10-4655MRival
Mobile ULV
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-3520MRival
Mobile Performance
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3365MRival
Mobile BGA
- AMD A8-4500MRival
Mobile Value
- Intel Core i7-3612QMAlt
Quad-core upgrade for Socket G2 that dramatically outperforms the i5-3340M in multi-threaded tasks at the same 35 W TDP.
Lower-cost dual-core alternative with only slightly lower clocks (2.6/3.2 GHz vs 2.7/3.4 GHz).
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i5-2540M
- AMD Phenom II N970Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- AMD A6-3410MXRival
Mobile APU
- AMD A8-3510MXRival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-560MRival
Previous Generation Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2620MRival
Mobile Performance
Ivy Bridge successor with 22nm process, better integrated graphics, and slightly improved performance.
Compare head-to-headHigher-clocked Ivy Bridge option, still compatible with Socket G2 motherboards.
Compare head-to-head- Any modern AMD Ryzen 5 laptopAlt
Massive performance improvement in every metric for a new laptop purchase.
Modern equivalent tier with 10 cores, vastly superior efficiency and graphics.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
The i5-3340M was the fastest dual-core Ivy Bridge mobile processor available in a socketed package, making it the ultimate upgrade for Socket G2 laptops. While thoroughly obsolete for modern use, it remains the best drop-in option for extending older business laptops.
Best for: As the final CPU upgrade for a Socket G2 laptop, providing the maximum possible dual-core performance on that platform.
Read the full reviewThe i5-2540M was a solid mid-range mobile chip in 2011, but it is now thoroughly outclassed by modern processors in every metric including efficiency, single-thread speed, and integrated graphics capability.
Best for: Upgrading an existing Socket G2 laptop at minimal cost
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-3340M or Intel Core i5-2540M?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3340M leads with a gaming performance score of 22/100 among Intel Core i5-3340M and Intel Core i5-2540M.
Do Intel Core i5-3340M and Intel Core i5-2540M use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket G2 (988B) socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-2540M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-3340M (2,000), Intel Core i5-2540M (3,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.