A10-6790B vs Core i3-540

A10-6790B vs Core i3-540 Performance Spectrum

A10-6790B

4 / 4

1,546

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-540

2 / 4

1,554

+0.5%

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

A10-6790B vs Core i3-540 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A10-6790B vs Core i3-540: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A10-6790B

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $11 less on MSRP ($122 MSRP vs $133 MSRP).
✅Delivers 8.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 12.7 vs 11.7 PassMark/$ ($122 MSRP vs $133 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 8670D, while Core i3-540 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-540.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,546 vs 1,554).
❌37% higher power demand at 100W vs 73W.

Core i3-540

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 73W instead of 100W, a 27W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.7 vs 12.7 PassMark/$ ($133 MSRP vs $122 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while A10-6790B can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A10-6790B.

Quick Answers

So, is A10-6790B better than Core i3-540?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A10-6790B is ahead with a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-540 pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-540 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

A10-6790B is the better buy right now. A10-6790B comes in $11 cheaper on MSRP at $122 MSRP versus $133 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-540 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 8.5% better value on MSRP (12.7 vs 11.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A10-6790B makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A10-6790B vs Core i3-540 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A10-6790B

The A10-6790B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,546 points. Launch price was $130.

Core i3-540

The Core i3-540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 0.07 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,554 points. Launch price was $45.

⚡

Processing Power

The A10-6790B packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-540 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A10-6790B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the A10-6790B versus 0.07 GHz on the Core i3-540 — a 193.6% clock advantage for the A10-6790B (base: 4 GHz vs 3.06 GHz). The A10-6790B uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-540 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A10-6790B scores 1,546 against the Core i3-540's 1,554 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-540.

Feature	A10-6790B	Core i3-540
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz+6043%	0.07 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+31%	3.06 GHz
L3 Cache	—	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4096 kB+1500%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Richland (2013−2014)	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,546	1,554

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A10-6790B uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-540 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	A10-6790B	Core i3-540
Socket	FM2	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A10-6790B) / not specified (Core i3-540). The A10-6790B includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 8670D), while the Core i3-540 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-6790B targets Office. Direct competitor: A10-6790B rivals Core i3-4330.

Feature	A10-6790B	Core i3-540
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Radeon HD 8670D	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	AMD-V	—
Target Use	Office	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A10-6790B was priced at $122, while the Core i3-540 came in at $133. On launch pricing ($122 vs $133), A10-6790B was $11 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A10-6790B delivers 12.7 pts/$ vs 11.7 pts/$ for the Core i3-540 — making the A10-6790B the 8.1% better value option.

Feature	A10-6790B	Core i3-540
MSRP	$122-8%	$133
Performance per Dollar	12.7+9%	11.7
Release Date	2013	2010

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