CPU
GPU
Athlon II X3 415e
Core 2 Duo E6540
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 Athlon II X3 415e is positioned at rank 798 and the Core 2 Duo E6540 is on rank 1009, so the Athlon II X3 415e offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon II X3 415e
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E6540
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon II X3 415e | Core 2 Duo E6540 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Rana (2009−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon II X3 415e | Core 2 Duo E6540 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1%) |
| 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 Athlon II X3 415e and Core 2 Duo E6540
Athlon II X3 415e
The Athlon II X3 415e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 11 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Rana (2009−2011) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,481 points. Launch price was $75.
Core 2 Duo E6540
The Core 2 Duo E6540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It has 2 cores. Base frequency: 2.33 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB L2 Cache. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,495 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Athlon II X3 415e packs 3 cores / 3 threads, while the Core 2 Duo E6540 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Athlon II X3 415e has 1 more core. The Athlon II X3 415e is built on the Rana (2009−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Athlon II X3 415e scores 1,481 against the Core 2 Duo E6540's 1,495 — a 0.9% lead for the Core 2 Duo E6540. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X3 415e vs 4 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo E6540.
| Feature | Athlon II X3 415e | Core 2 Duo E6540 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 3 / 3+50% | 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz | — |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz+7% | 2.33 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 4 MB L2 Cache |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | — |
| Process | 45 nm-31% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Rana (2009−2011) | — |
| PassMark | 1,481 | 1,495 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon II X3 415e uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo E6540 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X3 415e versus 1333 on the Core 2 Duo E6540 — the Core 2 Duo E6540 supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X3 415e supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon II X3 415e) vs 16 (Core 2 Duo E6540) — the Core 2 Duo E6540 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM3 (Athlon II X3 415e) and P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E6540).
| Feature | Athlon II X3 415e | Core 2 Duo E6540 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 1333+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+209715100% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Athlon II X3 415e) / true (Core 2 Duo E6540). Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E6540 rivals Athlon 64 X2 6000+.
| Feature | Athlon II X3 415e | Core 2 Duo E6540 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
Value Analysis
The Athlon II X3 415e launched at $75 MSRP, while the Core 2 Duo E6540 debuted at $163. At current prices ($15 vs $15), the Core 2 Duo E6540 is $0 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X3 415e delivers 98.7 pts/$ vs 99.7 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo E6540 — making the Core 2 Duo E6540 the 0.9% better value option.
| Feature | Athlon II X3 415e | Core 2 Duo E6540 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $75-54% | $163 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15 | $15 |
| Performance per Dollar | 98.7 | 99.7+1% |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2007 |
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