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.

Overview

The Core 2 Duo E6540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It has 2 cores. Base frequency: 2.33 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB L2 Cache. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,495 points. Launch price was $249.

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.

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 2 Duo E6540

#373

Core i7-12700E

MSRP: $314|Avg: $278

102%

#374

Core i3-14100T

MSRP: $134|Avg: $135

102%

#375

Core i5-5575R

MSRP: $265|Avg: $50

102%

#376

Core i5-8600K

MSRP: $257|Avg: $100

102%

#377

Core i5-13400T

MSRP: $221|Avg: $200

102%

#378

Athlon II X2 215

MSRP: $45|Avg: $10

101%

#379

Core 2 Duo E4700

MSRP: $133|Avg: $10

101%

#380

Core i3-530

MSRP: $113|Avg: $15

101%

#381

Pentium G3260

MSRP: $64|Avg: $21

101%

#382

Core i3-12300

MSRP: $143|Avg: $143

101%

#383

Core i7-4765T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $50

101%

#384

Core i7-860

MSRP: $284|Avg: $30

101%

#385

Athlon 64 X2 5200+

MSRP: $420|Avg: $15

101%

#386

Core i7-7700T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $75

101%

#387

Core i5-10505

MSRP: $192|Avg: $120

100%

#388

Core 2 Duo E6540

MSRP: $163|Avg: $15

100%

#389

Core i9-7920X

MSRP: $1199|Avg: $236

100%

#390

Ryzen 3 4300G

MSRP: $149|Avg: $100

100%

#391

Ryzen 9 3950X

MSRP: $749|Avg: $389

99%

#392

Athlon II X2 260u

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

99%

#393

Celeron 450

MSRP: $53|Avg: $5

99%

#394

Core i9-7980XE

MSRP: $1999|Avg: $300

99%

#395

Athlon II X3 415e

MSRP: $75|Avg: $15

99%

#396

Ryzen 5 PRO 4655G

MSRP: $165|Avg: $165

99%

#397

Athlon X4 870K

MSRP: $90|Avg: $35

99%

#398

Core i3-7300

MSRP: $184|Avg: $46

99%

#399

Ryzen 7 4700GE

MSRP: $299|Avg: $200

99%

#400

Athlon II X4 610e

MSRP: $143|Avg: $20

98%

#401

Core i5-10400T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $100

98%

#402

Core i5-7500

MSRP: $199|Avg: $65

98%

#403

Core i7-6950X

MSRP: $1723|Avg: $180

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo E6540 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo E6540 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E6540 is a 2-core processor, manufactured on a 65 nm process node. It carries 4 MB L2 Cache of L3 cache. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,495, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E6540
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.33 GHz
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	65 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	4 MB L2 Cache
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	1333 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	72 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Core Voltage Range	0.85V-1.5V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,495

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E6540 fits into the LGA775 socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E6540
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA775
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 1.1
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	None
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	P35,G31,G33,P45

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Athlon 64 X2 6000+.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E6540
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	true
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Athlon 64 X2 6000+

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo E6540 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the true stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock Cooler.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E6540
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	72 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	true
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock Cooler

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $163), the Core 2 Duo E6540 delivers 100 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3172 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E6540
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$163
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$15
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$249
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3172
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2007
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

3 categories

General Information

5 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$249
Release Date	2008-01-01
Performance Ranking Position	3172

Technical Specifications

9 specs

Cores	2
L3 Cache	4 MB L2 Cache
Bus Speed	1333 MHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.33 GHz
Process Technology	65 nm
Allowed Core Voltage	0.85V-1.5V
Max Core Temperature	72 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-