A6-6400K vs Core i7-640LM
A6-6400K
Core i7-640LM
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 A6-6400K is positioned at rank 688 and the Core i7-640LM is on rank 333, so the Core i7-640LM offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A6-6400K
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-640LM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A6-6400K | Core i7-640LM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Richland (2013−2014) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A6-6400K | Core i7-640LM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 A6-6400K and Core i7-640LM
A6-6400K
The A6-6400K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,511 points. Launch price was $70.
Core i7-640LM
The Core i7-640LM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,529 points. Launch price was $332.
Processing Power
The A6-6400K packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-640LM's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the A6-6400K versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-640LM — a 33.3% clock advantage for the A6-6400K (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The A6-6400K uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-640LM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A6-6400K scores 1,511 against the Core i7-640LM's 1,529 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-640LM. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A6-6400K vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-640LM.
| Feature | A6-6400K | Core i7-640LM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+40% | 2.93 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.9 GHz+83% | 2.13 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1024 kB+300% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Richland (2013−2014) | Arrandale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,511 | 1,529+1% |
Memory & Platform
The A6-6400K uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-640LM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A6-6400K versus 1066 on the Core i7-640LM — the A6-6400K supports 54.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-6400K supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 8 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: FM2 (A6-6400K) and HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i7-640LM).
| Feature | A6-6400K | Core i7-640LM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FM2 | BGA1288 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1866+75% | 1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32+300% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the A6-6400K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 8470D (A6-6400K) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i7-640LM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: A6-6400K rivals Pentium G3258; Core i7-640LM rivals Core 2 Duo SL9400.
| Feature | A6-6400K | Core i7-640LM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 8470D | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
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