Core 2 Duo E6540 vs Core i3-380UM
Core 2 Duo E6540
Core i3-380UM
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 i3-380UM is on rank 225, so the Core i3-380UM 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 i3-380UM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6540 | Core i3-380UM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6540 | Core i3-380UM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i3-380UM
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 i3-380UM
The Core i3-380UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.33 GHz, with boost up to 0.03 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,502 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo E6540 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-380UM's 2 cores. The Core i3-380UM is built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E6540 scores 1,495 against the Core i3-380UM's 1,502 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-380UM. L3 cache: 4 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo E6540 vs 3 MB on the Core i3-380UM.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6540 | Core i3-380UM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | — | 0.03 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.33 GHz+75% | 1.33 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB L2 Cache+33% | 3 MB |
| L2 Cache | — | 512 kB |
| Process | 65 nm | 32 nm-51% |
| Architecture | — | Arrandale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,495 | 1,502 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 199 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 451 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E6540 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-380UM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core 2 Duo E6540 versus DDR3-800 on the Core i3-380UM — 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. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E6540) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i3-380UM).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6540 | Core i3-380UM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | BGA1288 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 8 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core 2 Duo E6540) vs No (Core i3-380UM). The Core i3-380UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Core 2 Duo E6540 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-380UM targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E6540 rivals Athlon 64 X2 6000+; Core i3-380UM rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6540 | Core i3-380UM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel HD Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | No |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
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