CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4200U vs Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA)
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4200U is a dual-core, ultra-low voltage mobile processor launched in mid-2013 as part of the 4th Generation Core (Haswell) lineup. With a 15-watt TDP, it became the quintessential processor for the era's Ultrabooks, striking a balance between power efficiency and everyday performance. It features two physical cores and four threads thanks to Intel's Hyper-Threading technology, allowing it to handle multitasking with relative ease. The base clock speed is set at 1.6 GHz, dynamically boosting up to 2.6 GHz via Intel Turbo Boost technology when demanding workloads require extra performance. The processor is equipped with 3 MB of SmartCache and integrates Intel HD Graphics 4400, offering smooth 1080p video playback and the ability to play light casual games. It was a defining chip for mainstream thin-and-light laptops, offering an excellent blend of battery life and productivity performance.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Noticeable lag with modern multitasking.
Adequate for word processing and spreadsheets but slow with modern web applications.
Gaming
Handles only old or 2D indie games.
Intel HD 3000 cannot handle modern games. Only legacy titles at minimum settings are playable.
Virtualization
Can run one light VM.
Supports VT-x and VT-d but only 2 cores limit practical virtualization use.
Efficiency
Great battery life for its time.
35 W TDP is modest for 2011 but inefficient compared to any modern mobile processor.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware.
- No AI-specific hardware
- Cannot execute modern ML inference workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4400 is too weak for modern 3D games.
- No modern graphics API support
- Intel HD 3000 limited to DirectX 10.1
- Unsuitable for any game released after 2013
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent efficiency for 2013
- Good turbo boost frequency
- Hardware video encoding
- Wide adoption
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- BGA soldered
- Struggles with modern web
- No Windows 11 support
Pros
- Identical performance to the upgradeable rPGA variant
- Enables thinner laptop designs
- AES-NI encryption acceleration
- Reliable platform for basic tasks in 2011
Cons
- Cannot be upgraded or replaced
- Same performance limitations as the rPGA variant
- BGA solder joints can fail with thermal cycling over many years
- No modern graphics API support
- Completely obsolete for current workloads
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-4200U
- AMD A10-5745MRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5545MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4500URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i3-4010URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-3317URival
Mobile
Slightly faster refresh model.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-4600UAlt
Higher clocks and better graphics.
Broadwell successor with better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i3-8130UAlt
Much faster modern budget chip.
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200UAlt
Superior modern alternative.
Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA)
- AMD A6-3410MXRival
Mobile APU
- AMD A8-3510MXRival
Mobile APU
- AMD Phenom II N970Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i5-2540M (rPGA)Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-2620M (BGA)Rival
Mobile Performance
- Intel Core i5-3210M (BGA)Alt
Ivy Bridge successor with 22nm process and improved HD 4000 graphics.
- Intel Core i5-3320M (BGA)Alt
Higher-clocked Ivy Bridge option for BGA platforms.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Modern 6-core, 12-thread mobile processor with dramatically superior performance.
Current-generation mid-range mobile CPU with 10 cores and Intel Iris Xe graphics.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A legendary battery-life champion in its day, but obsolete for modern multitasking.
Best for: Extremely cheap used laptop for basic text editing
Read the full reviewFunctionally identical to the rPGA variant in performance, but the BGA packaging means it cannot be upgraded or replaced, which is a significant limitation for long-term usability.
Best for: None, as the BGA variant cannot be purchased separately for upgrades
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4200U or Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA)?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) comes out ahead with a score of 5.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-4200U or Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA)?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4200U leads with a gaming performance score of 20/100 among Intel Core i5-4200U and Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA).
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4200U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4200U (15 W), Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) (35 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4200U and Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4200U: Intel BGA 1168, Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA): Intel BGA 1023), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4200U (3,000), Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) (3,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.