A10-7850K vs Core i5-7200U

AMD

A10-7850K

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 4 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-7200U

2 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2016
Similar parts
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A10-7850K vs Core i5-7200U 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.

A10-7850K vs Core i5-7200U 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.

A10-7850K vs Core i5-7200U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A10-7850K

2014

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +10.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • 33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-7200U.

Trade-offs

  • 533.3% higher power demand at 95W vs 15W.

Core i5-7200U

2016

Why buy it

  • Draws 15W instead of 95W, a 80W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A10-7850K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (3,369 vs 3,394).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike A10-7850K.

Quick Answers

So, is A10-7850K better than Core i5-7200U?
Yes. A10-7850K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, A10-7850K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.5% 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, A10-7850K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
A10-7850K still makes the most sense overall. A10-7850K comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-7200U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A10-7850K vs Core i5-7200U Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A10-7850K

The A10-7850K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 January 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,394 points. Launch price was $173.

Intel

Core i5-7200U

The Core i5-7200U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,369 points. Launch price was $281.

Processing Power

The A10-7850K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-7200U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A10-7850K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the A10-7850K versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-7200U — a 25.4% clock advantage for the A10-7850K (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The A10-7850K uses the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i5-7200U uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A10-7850K scores 3,394 against the Core i5-7200U's 3,369 — a 0.7% lead for the A10-7850K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A10-7850K vs 3 MB on the Core i5-7200U.

FeatureA10-7850KCore i5-7200U
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
4 GHz+29%
3.1 GHz
Base Clock
3.7 GHz+48%
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
3 MB
L2 Cache
4096 kB+700%
512 kB
Process
28 nm
14 nm-50%
Architecture
Godaveri (2014−2016)
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark
3,394
3,369
Geekbench 6 Single
510
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Memory & Platform

The A10-7850K uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-7200U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-2133 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (A10-7850K) vs 12 (Core i5-7200U) — the A10-7850K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureA10-7850KCore i5-7200U
Socket
FM2+
BGA1356
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-2133
DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16+33%
12
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the A10-7850K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A10-7850K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-7200U). Both include integrated graphics Radeon R7 (A10-7850K) and HD Graphics 620 (Core i5-7200U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-7850K targets Budget, Core i5-7200U targets Mobile. Direct competitor: A10-7850K rivals Core i3-4340.

FeatureA10-7850KCore i5-7200U
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon R7
HD Graphics 620
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Budget
Mobile