Core i3-6006U vs Core i7-940XM
Core i3-6006U
Core i7-940XM
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 i3-6006U is positioned at rank 370 and the Core i7-940XM is on rank 1237, so the Core i3-6006U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-6006U
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-940XM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-6006U | Core i7-940XM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,096) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-6006U | Core i7-940XM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,096) |
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 i3-6006U and Core i7-940XM
Core i3-6006U
The Core i3-6006U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 November 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,273 points. Launch price was $281.
Core i7-940XM
The Core i7-940XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,269 points. Launch price was $1,096.
Processing Power
The Core i3-6006U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-940XM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-940XM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core i3-6006U versus 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-940XM — a 49.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-940XM (base: 2 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Core i3-6006U uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-940XM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6006U scores 2,273 against the Core i7-940XM's 2,269 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-6006U. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6006U vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-940XM.
| Feature | Core i3-6006U | Core i7-940XM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2 GHz | 3.33 GHz+67% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.13 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 8 MB (total)+167% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB+100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-69% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Clarksfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 2,273 | 2,269 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 2,200 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 630 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,313 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-6006U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-940XM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6006U versus 1333 on the Core i7-940XM — the Core i7-940XM supports 198.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6006U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-6006U) vs 16 (Core i7-940XM) — the Core i7-940XM offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Skylake-U (Core i3-6006U) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-940XM).
| Feature | Core i3-6006U | Core i7-940XM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1356 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | 1333+33225% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+419430300% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 16+33% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-940XM has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-6006U) vs true (Core i7-940XM). The Core i3-6006U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 520), while the Core i7-940XM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6006U targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i7-940XM rivals Core i7-2720QM.
| Feature | Core i3-6006U | Core i7-940XM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 520 | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | Yes | true |
| Target Use | Mobile | — |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i3-6006U and Core i7-940XM
