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.

Core i3-6102E vs Core i5-2540M FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-6102E vs Core i5-2540M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-6102E

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $41 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $266 MSRP).
✅Delivers 17.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 10.4 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $266 MSRP).
✅Draws 25W instead of 35W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,349 vs 2,356).

Core i5-2540M

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.9 vs 10.4 PassMark/$ ($266 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
❌40% higher power demand at 35W vs 25W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2540M better than Core i3-6102E?

Yes. Core i5-2540M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-2540M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2540M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-2540M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-2540M comes in 18.2% more expensive on MSRP at $266 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-6102E only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 17.9% better value on paper (10.4 vs 8.9 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on that older DDR4-era platform.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-6102E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6102E vs Core i5-2540M Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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.

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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

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6102E versus 1333 on the Core i5-2540M — the Core i3-6102E supports 60% 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 GB — 300% 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+60%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+300%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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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	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-6102E was priced at $225, while the Core i5-2540M came in at $266. On launch pricing ($225 vs $266), Core i3-6102E was $41 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6102E delivers 10.4 pts/$ vs 8.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-2540M — making the Core i3-6102E the 16.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-6102E	Core i5-2540M
MSRP	$225-15%	$266
Performance per Dollar	10.4+17%	8.9
Release Date	2015	2011

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