CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) vs Intel Core i5-2557M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-2540M BGA variant is a ball-grid-array version of the same Sandy Bridge dual-core chip, soldered directly to the motherboard and commonly found in thinner laptops where socketed CPUs were not feasible.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Adequate for word processing and spreadsheets but slow with modern web applications.
Noticeably slower than standard-voltage Sandy Bridge in sustained workloads due to thermal throttling in thin chassis.
Gaming
Intel HD 3000 cannot handle modern games. Only legacy titles at minimum settings are playable.
Even weaker than the 35 W variant due to lower sustained clocks. Not viable for any modern game.
Virtualization
Supports VT-x and VT-d but only 2 cores limit practical virtualization use.
Technically supports VT-x but too slow for practical virtualization use.
Efficiency
35 W TDP is modest for 2011 but inefficient compared to any modern mobile processor.
17 W TDP was efficient for 2011 but modern chips deliver 10x the performance at similar power.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI-specific hardware
- Cannot execute modern ML inference workloads
- No AI acceleration capabilities
- Insufficient compute for any AI workload
Content Creation
Gaming
- No modern graphics API support
- Intel HD 3000 limited to DirectX 10.1
- Unsuitable for any game released after 2013
- Lower sustained clocks than 35 W variants
- Intel HD 3000 graphics only
- No modern API support
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- 17 W TDP enabled truly portable laptop designs
- Turbo boost to 2.7 GHz helps burst workloads
- AES-NI and VT-x support despite low power
- Same feature set as standard-voltage Sandy Bridge
Cons
- 1.7 GHz base clock was slow even in 2011
- Sustained performance suffers in thin chassis with limited cooling
- BGA package cannot be upgraded
- Intel HD 3000 graphics are completely outdated
- Massive performance gap versus modern low-voltage processors
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i5-2557M
- AMD A4-3305MRival
Mobile Low-Voltage
- AMD E-450Rival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2540MRival
Mobile Standard Voltage
- Intel Core i3-2367MRival
Mobile Low-Voltage
- Intel Core i7-2637MRival
Mobile Low-Voltage
- Intel Core i5-3317UAlt
Ivy Bridge 17 W successor with HD 4000 graphics and better efficiency.
Haswell ULV with significantly better performance at 15 W TDP.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Modern low-voltage option with 6 cores and 15 W configurable TDP.
Current-generation low-power chip with 12 cores and excellent efficiency.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
Functionally 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 reviewThe i5-2557M sacrificed significant performance to achieve its 17 W TDP, making it a poor choice even in 2011 for anything beyond basic tasks. Modern low-voltage chips deliver dramatically more performance at similar power levels.
Best for: None, this processor cannot be purchased separately
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) or Intel Core i5-2557M?
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 i5-2540M (BGA) or Intel Core i5-2557M?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) leads with a gaming performance score of 15/100 among Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) and Intel Core i5-2557M.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-2557M has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) (35 W), Intel Core i5-2557M (17 W).
Do Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) and Intel Core i5-2557M use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1023 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
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 i5-2540M (BGA) (3,800), Intel Core i5-2557M (3,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.