A4-1250 vs Core i5-450M

CPU

GPU

A4-1250

2 Cores2 Thrd8 WWMax: 1 GHz2013

Similar parts

·······

Buy on Amazon

Core i5-450M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.66 GHz2010

Similar parts

·······

Buy on Amazon

A4-1250 vs Core i5-450M Performance Spectrum

A4-1250

2 / 2

1,258

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-450M

2 / 4

1,264

+0.5%

Celeron N3000

Pentium T3400

Pentium Dual-Core E2200

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.

A4-1250 vs Core i5-450M 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.

A4-1250 vs Core i5-450M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A4-1250

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 8W instead of 35W, a 27W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,258 vs 1,264).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.6 vs 39.5 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $32 MSRP).

Core i5-450M

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $68 less on MSRP ($32 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
✅Delivers 214.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 39.5 vs 12.6 PassMark/$ ($32 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
✅100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌337.5% higher power demand at 35W vs 8W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-450M better than A4-1250?

Yes. Core i5-450M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-450M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% 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, Core i5-450M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-450M is the better buy right now. Core i5-450M comes in $68 cheaper on MSRP at $32 MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 214.0% better value on MSRP (39.5 vs 12.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A4-1250 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A4-1250 vs Core i5-450M Technical Specifications

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

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 25% 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+25%	1066
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	No	No
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

At launch, the A4-1250 was priced at $100, while the Core i5-450M came in at $32. On launch pricing ($100 vs $32), Core i5-450M was $68 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A4-1250 delivers 12.6 pts/$ vs 39.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-450M — making the Core i5-450M the 103.4% better value option.

Feature	A4-1250	Core i5-450M
MSRP	$100	$32-68%
Performance per Dollar	12.6	39.5+213%
Release Date	2013	2010

Search A4-1250 on Amazon

Search Core i5-450M on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.