A6-7470K vs Core i5-540M
A6-7470K
Core i5-540M
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 A6-7470K is positioned at rank 595 and the Core i5-540M is on rank 432, so the Core i5-540M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A6-7470K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-540M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A6-7470K | Core i5-540M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Godaveri (2014−2016) / 28 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A6-7470K | Core i5-540M |
|---|---|---|
| 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 A6-7470K and Core i5-540M
A6-7470K
The A6-7470K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 1,799 points. Launch price was $70.
Core i5-540M
The Core i5-540M 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 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 3.07 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,796 points. Launch price was $257.
Processing Power
The A6-7470K packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-540M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the A6-7470K versus 3.07 GHz on the Core i5-540M — a 26.3% clock advantage for the A6-7470K (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). The A6-7470K uses the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i5-540M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A6-7470K scores 1,799 against the Core i5-540M's 1,796 — a 0.2% lead for the A6-7470K.
| Feature | A6-7470K | Core i5-540M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz+30% | 3.07 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+46% | 2.53 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1024 kB+300% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 28 nm-13% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Godaveri (2014−2016) | Arrandale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,799 | 1,796 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 300 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 700 |
Memory & Platform
The A6-7470K uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-540M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2133 on the A6-7470K versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i5-540M — the A6-7470K supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-7470K supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: FM2+ (A6-7470K) and HM55,QM57,HM57,QS57,PM55 (Core i5-540M).
| Feature | A6-7470K | Core i5-540M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FM2+ | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 2133+71000% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 8 GB+26214300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the A6-7470K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (A6-7470K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-540M). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon R5 Graphics (A6-7470K) and Intel HD Graphics (Core i5-540M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-540M targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: A6-7470K rivals Pentium G4400; Core i5-540M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.
| Feature | A6-7470K | Core i5-540M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon R5 Graphics | Intel HD Graphics |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Mainstream Laptop |
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