Core i5-540M vs A6-7470K
Core i5-540M
A6-7470K
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 i5-540M is positioned at rank 432 and the A6-7470K is on rank 595, so the Core i5-540M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-540M
Performance Per Dollar A6-7470K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-540M | A6-7470K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Godaveri (2014−2016) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-540M | A6-7470K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 i5-540M and A6-7470K
Core i5-540M
The Core i5-540M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 3.07 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: 1,796 points. Launch price was $257.
A6-7470K
The A6-7470K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 1,799 points. Launch price was $70.
Processing Power
The Core i5-540M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the A6-7470K's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.07 GHz on the Core i5-540M versus 4 GHz on the A6-7470K — a 26.3% clock advantage for the A6-7470K (base: 2.53 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i5-540M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the A6-7470K uses Godaveri (2014−2016) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-540M scores 1,796 against the A6-7470K's 1,799 — a 0.2% lead for the A6-7470K.
| Feature | Core i5-540M | A6-7470K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.07 GHz | 4 GHz+30% |
| Base Clock | 2.53 GHz | 3.7 GHz+46% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1024 kB+300% |
| Process | 32 nm | 28 nm-13% |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Godaveri (2014−2016) |
| PassMark | 1,796 | 1,799 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 300 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 700 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-540M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the A6-7470K uses FM2+ (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core i5-540M versus 2133 on the A6-7470K — the A6-7470K supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-7470K supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55,QM57,HM57,QS57,PM55 (Core i5-540M) and FM2+ (A6-7470K).
| Feature | Core i5-540M | A6-7470K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | FM2+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | 2133+71000% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+26214300% | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the A6-7470K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-540M) vs true (A6-7470K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Core i5-540M) and Radeon R5 Graphics (A6-7470K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-540M targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-540M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660; A6-7470K rivals Pentium G4400.
| Feature | Core i5-540M | A6-7470K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics | Radeon R5 Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
| Target Use | Mainstream Laptop | — |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i5-540M and A6-7470K
