A6-7470K vs Core i5-540M

A6-7470K vs Core i5-540M Performance Spectrum

A6-7470K

2 / 2

1,799

+0.2%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-540M

2 / 4

1,796

0.0%

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.

A6-7470K vs Core i5-540M 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.

A6-7470K vs Core i5-540M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A6-7470K

2016

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i5-540M.

Trade-offs

❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Core i5-540M

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A6-7470K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,796 vs 1,799).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A6-7470K.

Quick Answers

So, is A6-7470K better than Core i5-540M?

Yes. A6-7470K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, A6-7470K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A6-7470K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

A6-7470K still makes the most sense overall. A6-7470K comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

A6-7470K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A6-7470K vs Core i5-540M Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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 100.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-7470K supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% 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+100%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
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.