A4-4300M vs Core i5-580M

AMD

A4-4300M

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WWMax: 3 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-580M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.33 GHz2010
Similar parts
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A4-4300M vs Core i5-580M 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.

A4-4300M vs Core i5-580M 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.

A4-4300M vs Core i5-580M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A4-4300M

2012

Why buy it

  • +0.7% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (282 vs 445).

Core i5-580M

2010

Why buy it

  • +57.8% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,983 vs 1,997).

Quick Answers

So, is A4-4300M better than Core i5-580M?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-580M is ahead with a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, A4-4300M pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A4-4300M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
A4-4300M still makes the most sense overall. A4-4300M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A4-4300M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 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.

A4-4300M vs Core i5-580M Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A4-4300M

The A4-4300M is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1r2. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: unknown. Passmark benchmark score: 1,997 points. Launch price was $50.

Intel

Core i5-580M

The Core i5-580M 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 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 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: 1,983 points. Launch price was $266.

Processing Power

The A4-4300M packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-580M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the A4-4300M versus 3.33 GHz on the Core i5-580M — a 10.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-580M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The A4-4300M uses the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-580M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A4-4300M scores 1,997 against the Core i5-580M's 1,983 — a 0.7% lead for the A4-4300M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 282 vs 445, a 44.8% lead for the Core i5-580M that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A4-4300M vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-580M.

FeatureA4-4300MCore i5-580M
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
3 GHz
3.33 GHz+11%
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
2.66 GHz+6%
L3 Cache
0 kB
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB (total)
256K (per core)+25500%
Process
32 nm
32 nm
Architecture
Trinity (2012−2013)
Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark
1,997
1,983
Geekbench 6 Single
282
445+58%
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Memory & Platform

The A4-4300M uses the FS1r2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-580M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the A4-4300M versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i5-580M — the A4-4300M supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A4-4300M supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

FeatureA4-4300MCore i5-580M
Socket
FS1r2
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600+50%
DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB+100%
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A4-4300M) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-580M). Both include integrated graphics Radeon HD 7420G (A4-4300M) and HD Graphics (Core i5-580M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-4300M targets Budget Laptop, Core i5-580M targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: A4-4300M rivals Pentium B980; Core i5-580M rivals Phenom II X2 N660.

FeatureA4-4300MCore i5-580M
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 7420G
HD Graphics
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Budget Laptop
Legacy Laptop