Core 2 Duo E6540 vs Core 2 Duo SU7300
Core 2 Duo E6540
Core 2 Duo SU7300
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 Core 2 Duo SU7300 is on rank 43, so the Core 2 Duo SU7300 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 Core 2 Duo SU7300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6540 | Core 2 Duo SU7300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($289) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6540 | Core 2 Duo SU7300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1825%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($289) |
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 Core 2 Duo SU7300
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.
Core 2 Duo SU7300
The Core 2 Duo SU7300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,496 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo E6540 and Core 2 Duo SU7300 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. The Core 2 Duo SU7300 is built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E6540 scores 1,495 against the Core 2 Duo SU7300's 1,496 — a 0.1% lead for the Core 2 Duo SU7300. L3 cache: 4 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo E6540 vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core 2 Duo SU7300.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6540 | Core 2 Duo SU7300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | — | 1.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.33 GHz+79% | 1.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB L2 Cache+33% | 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache |
| L2 Cache | — | 3 MB |
| Process | 65 nm | 45 nm-31% |
| Architecture | — | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,495 | 1,496 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 188 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 338 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E6540 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Duo SU7300 uses BGA956 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core 2 Duo E6540 versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo SU7300 — 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 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Duo E6540) vs 0 (Core 2 Duo SU7300) — the Core 2 Duo E6540 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E6540) and GS45,GM45 (Core 2 Duo SU7300).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6540 | Core 2 Duo SU7300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | BGA956 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 8 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core 2 Duo E6540) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo SU7300). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SU7300 targets Ultra-Low Voltage Laptop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E6540 rivals Athlon 64 X2 6000+.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6540 | Core 2 Duo SU7300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Ultra-Low Voltage Laptop |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo E6540 launched at $163 MSRP, while the Core 2 Duo SU7300 debuted at $289.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6540 | Core 2 Duo SU7300 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $163-44% | $289 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15 | — |
| Release Date | 2007 | 2009 |
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