CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-2540M vs Core i7-2820QM (BGA)
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-2540M is a dual-core mobile processor built on the 32nm Sandy Bridge architecture, featuring Hyper-Threading for four threads and an integrated Intel HD 3000 GPU, designed for mainstream laptops released in early 2011.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles basic office tasks but struggles with large spreadsheets, heavy documents, or multitasking with many browser tabs.
8MB cache helps, but 4 cores limit modern productivity suites.
Gaming
Cannot run modern AAA titles. Only suitable for very old or lightweight games at low resolutions.
Not suitable for modern gaming; handles old casual games fine.
Virtualization
Can run a single lightweight VM but lacks the cores and memory bandwidth for serious virtualization.
VT-x and VT-d support basic VM tasks.
Efficiency
35 W TDP is high by modern mobile standards; current chips deliver far more performance per watt.
45W TDP is high for thin laptops, leading to heat.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration instructions
- No NPU or matrix multiplication support
- Cannot run modern AI workloads
- No NPU or AI acceleration
- Lacks modern instruction sets
Content Creation
Gaming
- Intel HD 3000 lacks modern API support
- No DirectX 12 or Vulkan support
- Only playable with pre-2012 titles at low settings
- HD 3000 is obsolete
- Cannot run modern 3D titles
- Fine for 2D indie games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- 8MB L3 cache
- Good performance for 2011
- Hyper-Threading
- Turbo Boost
Cons
- Soldered BGA socket
- 45W TDP
- Obsolete integrated graphics
- No Windows 11 support
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Core i7-2820QM (BGA)
- AMD A8-3530MXRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2720QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2630QMRival
Mobile
- AMD Phenom II X4 N970Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2540MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2860QMAlt
Higher clock speeds for better performance.
Slightly cheaper but with less cache.
Compare head-to-headIvy Bridge successor with better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-2920XMAlt
Unlocked Extreme Edition for overclocking.
- AMD A10-4600MAlt
Better integrated graphics for light gaming.
Our Verdict on Each
The 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 reviewA strong mobile CPU in 2011 with a large cache, but limited by its soldered design and age.
Best for: Maintaining a legacy laptop
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-2540M or Core i7-2820QM (BGA)?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-2820QM (BGA) comes out ahead with a score of 6.2/10. 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 or Core i7-2820QM (BGA)?
For gaming, the Core i7-2820QM (BGA) leads with a gaming performance score of 22/100 among Intel Core i5-2540M and Core i7-2820QM (BGA).
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-2540M has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-2540M (35 W), Core i7-2820QM (BGA) (45 W).
Do Intel Core i5-2540M and Core i7-2820QM (BGA) use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-2540M: Intel Socket G2 (988B), Core i7-2820QM (BGA): Intel BGA 1224), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-2820QM (BGA) has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-2540M (2 cores), Core i7-2820QM (BGA) (4 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-2820QM (BGA) posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-2540M (3,800), Core i7-2820QM (BGA) (5,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.