CPU
GPU
Core i3-4010U
A6-7400K
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 i3-4010U is positioned at rank 179 and the A6-7400K is on rank 869, so the Core i3-4010U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4010U
Performance Per Dollar A6-7400K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-4010U | A6-7400K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($43) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Kaveri (2014−2015) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-4010U | A6-7400K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($43) |
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 i3-4010U and A6-7400K
Core i3-4010U
The Core i3-4010U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 1.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,660 points. Launch price was $281.
A6-7400K
The A6-7400K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,678 points. Launch price was $70.
Processing Power
The Core i3-4010U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the A6-7400K's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.7 GHz on the Core i3-4010U versus 3.9 GHz on the A6-7400K — a 78.6% clock advantage for the A6-7400K (base: 1.7 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i3-4010U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the A6-7400K uses Kaveri (2014−2015) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4010U scores 1,660 against the A6-7400K's 1,678 — a 1.1% lead for the A6-7400K.
| Feature | Core i3-4010U | A6-7400K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 1.7 GHz | 3.9 GHz+129% |
| Base Clock | 1.7 GHz | 3.5 GHz+106% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1024 kB+300% |
| Process | 22 nm-21% | 28 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Kaveri (2014−2015) |
| PassMark | 1,660 | 1,678+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-4010U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the A6-7400K uses FM2+ (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-4010U versus 1866 on the A6-7400K — the A6-7400K supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-7400K supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-4010U) vs 16 (A6-7400K) — the A6-7400K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i3-4010U | A6-7400K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1168 | FM2+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-1600 | 1866+62100% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+52428700% | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 16+33% |
Advanced Features
Only the A6-7400K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-4010U) vs true (A6-7400K). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4400 (Core i3-4010U) and Radeon R5 Graphics (A6-7400K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4010U targets Mobile. Direct competitor: A6-7400K rivals Pentium G3420.
| Feature | Core i3-4010U | A6-7400K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4400 | Radeon R5 Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
| Target Use | Mobile | — |
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