CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo E6540
C-60
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 Core 2 Duo E6540 is positioned at rank 1009 and the C-60 is on rank 704, so the C-60 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E6540
Performance Per Dollar C-60
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6540 | C-60 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ontario (2011−2012) / 40 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6540 | C-60 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+34%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
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 Core 2 Duo E6540 and C-60
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.
C-60
The C-60 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 22 August 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Ontario (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1 GHz, with boost up to 1.33 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 40 nm process technology. Socket: FT1. Thermal design power (TDP): 9 Watt. Memory support: DDR3 Single-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 1,483 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo E6540 and C-60 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. The C-60 is built on the Ontario (2011−2012) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E6540 scores 1,495 against the C-60's 1,483 — a 0.8% lead for the Core 2 Duo E6540. L3 cache: 4 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo E6540 vs 0 kB on the C-60.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6540 | C-60 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | — | 1.33 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.33 GHz+133% | 1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB L2 Cache | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | — | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 40 nm-38% |
| Architecture | — | Ontario (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 1,495 | 1,483 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E6540 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the C-60 uses FT1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core 2 Duo E6540 versus DDR3-1066 on the C-60 — the Core 2 Duo E6540 supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Duo E6540 supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 4 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core 2 Duo E6540) vs 1 (C-60). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Duo E6540) vs 4 (C-60) — the Core 2 Duo E6540 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E6540) and AMD BGA413 (C-60).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6540 | C-60 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | FT1 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 4 GB+26214300% |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+300% | 4 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core 2 Duo E6540) / not specified (C-60). The C-60 includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6290), while the Core 2 Duo E6540 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E6540 rivals Athlon 64 X2 6000+.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6540 | C-60 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Radeon HD 6290 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo E6540 launched at $163 MSRP, while the C-60 debuted at $50. At current prices ($15 vs $20), the Core 2 Duo E6540 is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E6540 delivers 99.7 pts/$ vs 74.2 pts/$ for the C-60 — making the Core 2 Duo E6540 the 29.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6540 | C-60 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $163 | $50-69% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-25% | $20 |
| Performance per Dollar | 99.7+34% | 74.2 |
| Release Date | 2007 | 2011 |
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