A6-7480 vs Core i5-540M

A6-7480 vs Core i5-540M Performance Spectrum

A6-7480

2 / 2

1,793

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-540M

2 / 4

1,796

+0.2%

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.

A6-7480 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.

A6-7480 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.

A6-7480

2018

Why buy it

✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i5-540M.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,793 vs 1,796).
❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.

Core i5-540M

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A6-7480.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-540M better than A6-7480?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A6-7480 is ahead with a 0.7% average FPS lead across 39 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-540M pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-540M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-540M still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-540M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark.

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

A6-7480 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A6-7480 vs Core i5-540M Technical Specifications

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

A6-7480

The A6-7480 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Carrizo (2015−2018) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 1,793 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 A6-7480 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-540M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the A6-7480 versus 3.07 GHz on the Core i5-540M — a 21.3% clock advantage for the A6-7480 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). The A6-7480 uses the Carrizo (2015−2018) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i5-540M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A6-7480 scores 1,793 against the Core i5-540M's 1,796 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-540M.

Feature	A6-7480	Core i5-540M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+24%	3.07 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+38%	2.53 GHz
L3 Cache	—	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (total)	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Carrizo (2015−2018)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,793	1,796
Geekbench 6 Single	—	300
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	700

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Memory & Platform

The A6-7480 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 A6-7480 versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i5-540M — the A6-7480 supports 100.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-7480 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+ (A6-7480) and HM55,QM57,HM57,QS57,PM55 (Core i5-540M).

Feature	A6-7480	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

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (A6-7480) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-540M). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon R5 Graphics (A6-7480) 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: A6-7480 rivals Pentium G4400; Core i5-540M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.