A4-1250 vs Core i5-450M
A4-1250
Core i5-450M
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 A4-1250 is positioned at rank 1023 and the Core i5-450M is on rank 10, so the Core i5-450M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A4-1250
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-450M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A4-1250 | Core i5-450M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($31) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Temash (2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A4-1250 | Core i5-450M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+3%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($31) |
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 A4-1250 and Core i5-450M
A4-1250
The A4-1250 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Temash (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FT3. Thermal design power (TDP): 8 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,258 points. Launch price was $50.
Core i5-450M
The Core i5-450M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.66 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: 1,264 points. Launch price was $32.
Processing Power
The A4-1250 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-450M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1 GHz on the A4-1250 versus 2.66 GHz on the Core i5-450M — a 90.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-450M. The A4-1250 uses the Temash (2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-450M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A4-1250 scores 1,258 against the Core i5-450M's 1,264 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-450M. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A4-1250 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-450M.
| Feature | A4-1250 | Core i5-450M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 1 GHz | 2.66 GHz+166% |
| Base Clock | — | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core)+100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Temash (2013) | Arrandale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,258 | 1,264 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 111 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 188 | — |
Memory & Platform
The A4-1250 uses the FT3 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-450M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L 1333 MHz on the A4-1250 versus 1066 on the Core i5-450M — the A4-1250 supports 186.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 1 (A4-1250) vs 2 (Core i5-450M). PCIe lanes: 8 (A4-1250) vs 16 (Core i5-450M) — the Core i5-450M offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: FT3 (A4-1250) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-450M).
| Feature | A4-1250 | Core i5-450M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FT3 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L 1333 MHz | 1066+35433% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+104857500% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 1 | 2+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 8 | 16+100% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 8210 (A4-1250) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-450M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-1250 targets Tablet. Direct competitor: A4-1250 rivals Atom Z3740; Core i5-450M rivals AMD Turion II M620.
| Feature | A4-1250 | Core i5-450M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 8210 | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
| Target Use | Tablet | — |
Value Analysis
The A4-1250 launched at $100 MSRP, while the Core i5-450M debuted at $32. At current prices ($30 vs $31), the A4-1250 is $1 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the A4-1250 delivers 41.9 pts/$ vs 40.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-450M — making the A4-1250 the 2.8% better value option.
| Feature | A4-1250 | Core i5-450M |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $100 | $32-68% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30-3% | $31 |
| Performance per Dollar | 41.9+3% | 40.8 |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2010 |
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