Core 2 Duo E6540 vs Core i5-10400F
Core 2 Duo E6540
Core i5-10400F
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. The Core 2 Duo E6540 is positioned at rank #1009 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E6540
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-10400F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6540 | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($102) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 65 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6540 | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+28%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($102) |
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 i5-10400F
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 i5-10400F
The Core i5-10400F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 13,029 points. Launch price was $155.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo E6540 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i5-10400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-10400F has 4 more cores. The Core i5-10400F is built on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E6540 scores 1,495 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 158.8% lead for the Core i5-10400F. L3 cache: 4 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo E6540 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6540 | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 | 6 / 12+200% |
| Boost Clock | — | 4.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.33 GHz | 2.9 GHz+24% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB L2 Cache | 12 MB (total)+200% |
| L2 Cache | — | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 14 nm-78% |
| Architecture | — | Comet Lake (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 1,495 | 13,029+772% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 8,191 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,454 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 5,783 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E6540 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-10400F uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core 2 Duo E6540 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F — the Core 2 Duo E6540 supports 198.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-10400F supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 16 — 155.6% 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 H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6540 | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+33225% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 128 GB+838860700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core 2 Duo E6540) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10400F). Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E6540 rivals Athlon 64 X2 6000+; Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6540 | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo E6540 launched at $163 MSRP, while the Core i5-10400F debuted at $160. At current prices ($15 vs $102), the Core 2 Duo E6540 is $87 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E6540 delivers 99.7 pts/$ vs 127.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core i5-10400F the 24.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6540 | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $163 | $160-2% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-85% | $102 |
| Performance per Dollar | 99.7 | 127.7+28% |
| Release Date | 2007 | 2020 |
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