Core i5-540UM vs E1-6010

Intel

Core i5-540UM

2 Cores4 Thrd18 WWMax: 2 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

E1-6010

2 Cores2 Thrd10 WWMax: 1.35 GHz2014
Similar parts
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Core i5-540UM vs E1-6010 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-540UM vs E1-6010 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 i5-540UM vs E1-6010: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-540UM

2010

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while E1-6010 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,002 vs 1,006).
  • 80% higher power demand at 18W vs 10W.

E1-6010

2014

Why buy it

  • +0.4% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 10W instead of 18W, a 8W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-540UM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is E1-6010 better than Core i5-540UM?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-540UM is ahead with a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, E1-6010 pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, E1-6010 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
E1-6010 still makes the most sense overall. E1-6010 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
E1-6010 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-540UM vs E1-6010 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-540UM

The Core i5-540UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,002 points. Launch price was $250.

AMD

E1-6010

The E1-6010 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Beema (2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.35 GHz. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FT3. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,006 points. Launch price was $50.

Processing Power

The Core i5-540UM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the E1-6010's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core i5-540UM versus 1.35 GHz on the E1-6010 — a 38.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-540UM. The Core i5-540UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the E1-6010 uses Beema (2014) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-540UM scores 1,002 against the E1-6010's 1,006 — a 0.4% lead for the E1-6010.

FeatureCore i5-540UME1-6010
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2 GHz+48%
1.35 GHz
Base Clock
1.2 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB
L2 Cache
512 kB
1024 kB+100%
Process
32 nm
28 nm-13%
Architecture
Arrandale (2010−2011)
Beema (2014)
PassMark
1,002
1,006
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-540UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the E1-6010 uses FT3 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-540UME1-6010
Socket
BGA1288
FT3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
800
Max RAM Capacity
8
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-540UM) / not specified (E1-6010). The Core i5-540UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the E1-6010 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-540UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.

FeatureCore i5-540UME1-6010
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
true