Core i3-6102E vs Core i5-2540M

Core i3-6102E

2 Cores4 Thrd25 WWMax: 1.9 GHz2015

Core i5-2540M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2011

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Core i3-6102E

2 / 4

2,349

0.0%

2,356

+0.3%

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 i3-6102E is positioned at rank 989 and the Core i5-2540M is on rank 8, so the Core i5-2540M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-6102E

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

29858%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

28213%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

20485%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

6171%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

4888%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

4276%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

2449%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

2417%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

2201%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

2201%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

2176%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

2117%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

2088%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

2079%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

2061%

#304

Core i7-6950X

MSRP: $1723|Avg: $180

98%

#989

Core i3-6102E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $35

100%

#990

Pentium Dual-Core E2160

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

100%

#991

Pentium Dual-Core E2210

MSRP: $98|Avg: $15

98%

#992

Core 2 Duo E7500

MSRP: $113|Avg: $10

98%

#993

Core 2 Quad Q9505

MSRP: $213|Avg: $150

98%

#996

Core i7-930

MSRP: $294|Avg: $20

98%

#997

Core i7-920

MSRP: $284|Avg: $79

97%

#998

Core i7-4960X

MSRP: $990|Avg: $136

96%

#999

Pentium Dual-Core E2200

MSRP: $100|Avg: $25

94%

#1001

Core 2 Duo E4400

MSRP: $113|Avg: $20

93%

#1002

Pentium D 915

MSRP: $74|Avg: $10

91%

#1003

Core 2 Quad Q9400

MSRP: $229|Avg: $25

90%

#1004

Celeron 450

MSRP: $53|Avg: $5

89%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2540M

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

112%

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

110%

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

101%

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

101%

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

100%

#10

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

97%

#11

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

93%

#12

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

92%

#13

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

90%

#17

Core i3-350M

MSRP: $130|Avg: $10

83%

#18

Atom x5-E8000

MSRP: $18|Avg: N/A

82%

#19

Core 2 Duo T5900

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $5

81%

#22

Core i3-3130M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

73%

#23

Core 2 Duo T5550

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $5

70%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Performance Leadership: The Core i5-2540M delivers superior performance across the board. It outperforms the Core i3-6102E in both compute-intensive tasks (0.3% faster) and gaming workloads.

Insight	Core i3-6102E	Core i5-2540M
Gaming	❌ Lower gaming performance	✅ Superior gaming performance
Workstation	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks	✅ Better multi-core power
Price	⚠️ Higher cost ($35)	✅ More affordable ($10)
Longevity	🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm)	🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

Efficiency: Even within a comparison of older hardware, the Core i5-2540M stands out as the superior choice. It is effectively 71% cheaper ($10 vs $35) while identifying as the stronger performer.

Insight	Core i3-6102E	Core i5-2540M
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	✅ Better overall value (+251%)
Upfront Cost	⚠️ Higher cost ($35)	✅ More affordable ($10)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Core i3-6102E Benchmark Check

Core i5-2540M Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-6102E and Core i5-2540M

Core i3-6102E

The Core i3-6102E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 2,349 points. Launch price was $225.

Core i5-2540M

The Core i5-2540M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,356 points. Launch price was $266.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-6102E and Core i5-2540M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.9 GHz on the Core i3-6102E versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2540M — a 53.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-2540M. The Core i3-6102E uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-2540M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6102E scores 2,349 against the Core i5-2540M's 2,356 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-2540M. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6102E vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2540M.

Feature	Core i3-6102E	Core i5-2540M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.9 GHz	3.3 GHz+74%
Base Clock	—	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,349	2,356

🧠

Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6102E versus 1333 on the Core i5-2540M — the Core i5-2540M supports 198.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6102E supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-6102E	Core i5-2540M
Socket	—	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133	1333+33225%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+419430300%	16
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	✅	❌
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6102E) vs true (Core i5-2540M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6102E) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2540M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6102E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-2540M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.

Feature	Core i3-6102E	Core i5-2540M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 530	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	true
Target Use	Embedded	—

💰

Value Analysis

The Core i3-6102E launched at $225 MSRP, while the Core i5-2540M debuted at $266. At current prices ($35 vs $10), the Core i5-2540M is $25 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6102E delivers 67.1 pts/$ vs 235.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-2540M — making the Core i5-2540M the 111.3% better value option.