Intel Core i5-540UM Mobile processor (CN80617006042AD)

Core i5-540UM is the second ultra-low voltage (ULV) microprocessor from i5-5xx line of mobile CPUs. This processor was introduced 4 months after the release of previous ULV model, Core i5-520UM. As expected, the 540UM has higher clock frequency - 1.2 GHZ as opposed to 1.06 GHz on the 520UM. In all other aspects both models are indistinguishable from each other. The i5-540UM has two CPU cores, and each core integrates its own level 1 and level 2 caches. The cores use shared 3 MB level 3 cache, that, beside storing infrequently used data, also duplicates the contents of L1 and L2 caches. The cores and the L3 cache are located on a single die, manufactured on 0.032 micron process. The CPU package also houses the second die with dual-channel memory and graphics controllers, made using 0.045 micron process. The package itself is a micro-BGA, and, as became standard for AMD and Intel mobile processors, does not have integrated heat spreader.

The Core i5-540UM microprocessor features a number of new technologies that are a part of enhanced Nehalem microarchitecture. In addition to key technologies, such as Virtualization, SSE4 or Enhanced SpeedStep, the processor includes more modern features. One of these features, HyperThreading, adds ability to process simultaneously twice as many threads. Although this technology does not double CPU performance, it provides noticeable boost in comparison with dual-core models without HyperThreading. Another feature, Turbo Boost, can increase CPU frequency up to 1.73 GHz for two active cores, or up to 2 GHz for one active core, when the CPU is operating within thermal limits and when maximum performance is needed. The i5-540UM model also includes mostly business-oriented Vpro features, and AES instructions, that may speed up certain data encryption algorithms.

Although Core i5-540UM microprocessor operates at the same frequency as the i5-430UM, the Turbo Boost feature on the 540UM has higher maximum frequency. This difference is a major contributor to performance difference between two processors. Not only that, but the 540UM also incorporates AES instructions, Virtualization for directed I/O and Trusted Execution Technology, that are not present on the 430UM model.