A6-3420M vs Core i5-460M

A6-3420M vs Core i5-460M Performance Spectrum

A6-3420M

4 / 4

1,310

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-460M

2 / 4

1,321

+0.8%

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.

A6-3420M 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.

A6-3420M 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.

A6-3420M

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (234 vs 343).
❌Lower PassMark (1,310 vs 1,321).

Core i5-460M

2010

Why buy it

✅+46.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $80 MSRP, while A6-3420M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-460M better than A6-3420M?

Yes. Core i5-460M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-460M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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 i5-460M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-460M is the better buy right now. Core i5-460M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $80 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (16.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

A6-3420M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A6-3420M vs Core i5-460M Technical Specifications

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

A6-3420M

The A6-3420M 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 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 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: 1,310 points. Launch price was $70.

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.

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Processing Power

The A6-3420M packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-460M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A6-3420M has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the A6-3420M versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i5-460M — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-460M (base: 1.5 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). The A6-3420M uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-460M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A6-3420M scores 1,310 against the Core i5-460M's 1,321 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i5-460M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 234 vs 343, a 37.8% lead for the Core i5-460M that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A6-3420M vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-460M.

Feature	A6-3420M	Core i5-460M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	2.8 GHz+17%
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	2.53 GHz+69%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,310	1,321
Geekbench 6 Single	234	343+47%

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Memory & Platform

The A6-3420M uses the FS1 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 DDR3-1333 on the A6-3420M versus 1066 on the Core i5-460M — the A6-3420M supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	A6-3420M	Core i5-460M
Socket	FS1	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333+25%	1066
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	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 (A6-3420M) vs true (Core i5-460M). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 6520G (A6-3420M) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-460M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A6-3420M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: A6-3420M rivals Core i3-2330M; Core i5-460M rivals AMD Turion II M620.