A6-3400M vs Core i3-3217U
A6-3400M
Core i3-3217U
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 A6-3400M is positioned at rank 869 and the Core i3-3217U is on rank 684, so the Core i3-3217U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A6-3400M
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3217U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A6-3400M | Core i3-3217U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A6-3400M | Core i3-3217U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 A6-3400M and Core i3-3217U
A6-3400M
The A6-3400M is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,223 points. Launch price was $70.
Core i3-3217U
The Core i3-3217U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,226 points. Launch price was $225.
Processing Power
The A6-3400M packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-3217U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A6-3400M has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the A6-3400M versus 1.8 GHz on the Core i3-3217U — a 24.4% clock advantage for the A6-3400M (base: 1.4 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The A6-3400M uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-3217U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the A6-3400M scores 1,223 against the Core i3-3217U's 1,226 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-3217U. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A6-3400M vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3217U.
| Feature | A6-3400M | Core i3-3217U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.3 GHz+28% | 1.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.4 GHz | 1.8 GHz+29% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core)+300% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Llano (2011−2012) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,223 | 1,226 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 218 | — |
Memory & Platform
The A6-3400M uses the FS1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-3217U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the A6-3400M versus 1600 on the Core i3-3217U — the Core i3-3217U supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3217U supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | A6-3400M | Core i3-3217U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FS1 | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 1600+53233% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+26214300% | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A6-3400M) vs true (Core i3-3217U). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 6520G (A6-3400M) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3217U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A6-3400M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: A6-3400M rivals Core i3-2310M; Core i3-3217U rivals AMD A6-4455M.
| Feature | A6-3400M | Core i3-3217U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 6520G | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | true |
| Target Use | Budget Laptop | — |
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