A4-5050 vs Core i5-460M

AMD

A4-5050

4 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 1.5 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-460M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2010
Similar parts
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A4-5050 vs Core i5-460M 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.

A4-5050 vs Core i5-460M 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.

A4-5050 vs Core i5-460M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A4-5050

2014

Why buy it

  • +0.5% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 15W instead of 35W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (180 vs 343).

Core i5-460M

2010

Why buy it

  • +90.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • 100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,321 vs 1,328).
  • Launch MSRP is still $80 MSRP, while A4-5050 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 133.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is A4-5050 better than Core i5-460M?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-460M is ahead with a 0.2% average FPS lead across 41 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, A4-5050 pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A4-5050 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
A4-5050 is still the much better call for a fresh build. A4-5050 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $80 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% better PassMark. Core i5-460M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (16.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A4-5050 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A4-5050 vs Core i5-460M Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A4-5050

The A4-5050 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Kabini (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FT3. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,328 points. Launch price was $50.

Intel

Core i5-460M

The Core i5-460M 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 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 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: 1,321 points. Launch price was $80.

Processing Power

The A4-5050 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-460M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A4-5050 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.5 GHz on the A4-5050 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i5-460M — a 60.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-460M. The A4-5050 uses the Kabini (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-460M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A4-5050 scores 1,328 against the Core i5-460M's 1,321 — a 0.5% lead for the A4-5050. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 180 vs 343, a 62.3% lead for the Core i5-460M that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A4-5050 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-460M.

FeatureA4-5050Core i5-460M
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
1.5 GHz
2.8 GHz+87%
Base Clock
2.53 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512K (per core)+100%
256K (per core)
Process
32 nm
32 nm
Architecture
Kabini (2013−2014)
Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark
1,328
1,321
Geekbench 6 Single
180
343+91%
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Memory & Platform

The A4-5050 uses the FT3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-460M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the A4-5050 versus 1066 on the Core i5-460M — the A4-5050 supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A4-5050 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (A4-5050) vs 2 (Core i5-460M). PCIe lanes: 8 (A4-5050) vs 16 (Core i5-460M) — the Core i5-460M offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureA4-5050Core i5-460M
Socket
FT3
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3L-1600+50%
1066
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB+100%
8 GB
RAM Channels
1
2+100%
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
8
16+100%
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A4-5050) vs true (Core i5-460M). Both include integrated graphics Radeon HD 8330 (A4-5050) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-460M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-5050 targets Entry Laptop. Direct competitor: A4-5050 rivals Pentium N3530; Core i5-460M rivals AMD Turion II M620.

FeatureA4-5050Core i5-460M
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 8330
Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
true
Target Use
Entry Laptop