A6-4455M vs Core i7-2617M

AMD

A6-4455M

2 Cores2 Thrd17 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-2617M

2 Cores4 Thrd17 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2011
Similar parts
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A6-4455M vs Core i7-2617M 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.

A6-4455M vs Core i7-2617M 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.

A6-4455M vs Core i7-2617M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A6-4455M

2012

Why buy it

  • +0.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (253 vs 448).

Core i7-2617M

2011

Why buy it

  • +77.1% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,687 vs 1,689).

Quick Answers

So, is A6-4455M better than Core i7-2617M?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-2617M is ahead with a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, A6-4455M pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A6-4455M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
A6-4455M still makes the most sense overall. A6-4455M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A6-4455M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) 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.

A6-4455M vs Core i7-2617M Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A6-4455M

The A6-4455M 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 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FP2. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 1,689 points. Launch price was $70.

Intel

Core i7-2617M

The Core i7-2617M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,687 points. Launch price was $100.

Processing Power

The A6-4455M packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-2617M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the A6-4455M versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i7-2617M — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.1 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). The A6-4455M uses the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-2617M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A6-4455M scores 1,689 against the Core i7-2617M's 1,687 — a 0.1% lead for the A6-4455M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 253 vs 448, a 55.6% lead for the Core i7-2617M that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A6-4455M vs 4 MB on the Core i7-2617M.

FeatureA6-4455MCore i7-2617M
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.6 GHz
2.6 GHz
Base Clock
2.1 GHz+40%
1.5 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
4 MB
L2 Cache
2 MB (total)+300%
512 kB
Process
32 nm
32 nm
Architecture
Trinity (2012−2013)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
1,689
1,687
Geekbench 6 Single
253
448+77%
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Memory & Platform

The A6-4455M uses the FP2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-2617M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

FeatureA6-4455MCore i7-2617M
Socket
FP2
BGA1023
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A6-4455M) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2617M). Both include integrated graphics Radeon HD 7500G (A6-4455M) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2617M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A6-4455M targets Thin and Light Laptop, Core i7-2617M targets Ultrabook. Direct competitor: A6-4455M rivals Pentium 987; Core i7-2617M rivals A6-3400M.

FeatureA6-4455MCore i7-2617M
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 7500G
HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Thin and Light Laptop
Ultrabook