A6-3400M vs Core 2 Duo E6420
A6-3400M
Core 2 Duo E6420
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The A6-3400M is positioned at rank 869 and the Core 2 Duo E6420 is on rank 1054, so the A6-3400M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A6-3400M
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E6420
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A6-3400M | Core 2 Duo E6420 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Conroe (2006−2007) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A6-3400M | Core 2 Duo E6420 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of A6-3400M and Core 2 Duo E6420
A6-3400M
The A6-3400M is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,223 points. Launch price was $70.
Core 2 Duo E6420
The Core 2 Duo E6420 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,235 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The A6-3400M packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Duo E6420 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the A6-3400M has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the A6-3400M versus 2.13 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E6420 — a 7.7% clock advantage for the A6-3400M (base: 1.4 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The A6-3400M uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E6420 uses Conroe (2006−2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the A6-3400M scores 1,223 against the Core 2 Duo E6420's 1,235 — a 1% lead for the Core 2 Duo E6420. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | A6-3400M | Core 2 Duo E6420 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.3 GHz+8% | 2.13 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.4 GHz | 2.13 GHz+52% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 4 MB+300% |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Llano (2011−2012) | Conroe (2006−2007) |
| PassMark | 1,223 | 1,235 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 218 | — |
Memory & Platform
The A6-3400M uses the FS1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo E6420 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the A6-3400M versus 1066 on the Core 2 Duo E6420 — the Core 2 Duo E6420 supports 198.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Duo E6420 supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | A6-3400M | Core 2 Duo E6420 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FS1 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 1066+35433% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+52428700% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A6-3400M) vs true (Core 2 Duo E6420). The A6-3400M includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6520G), while the Core 2 Duo E6420 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A6-3400M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: A6-3400M rivals Core i3-2310M; Core 2 Duo E6420 rivals Athlon 64 X2 5400+.
| Feature | A6-3400M | Core 2 Duo E6420 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 6520G | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | true |
| Target Use | Budget Laptop | — |
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