A6-6420K vs Core i5-4302Y

AMD

A6-6420K

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2014
VS
Intel

Core i5-4302Y

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.3 GHz2013

A6-6420K vs Core i5-4302Y 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.

A6-6420K vs Core i5-4302Y 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.

A6-6420K vs Core i5-4302Y: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A6-6420K

2014

Why buy it

  • βœ…Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.
  • βœ…33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • βœ…Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i5-4302Y.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (1,571 vs 1,580).

Core i5-4302Y

2013

Why buy it

  • βœ…+0.6% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • ❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.
  • ❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A6-6420K.

Quick Answers

So, is A6-6420K better than Core i5-4302Y?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A6-6420K is ahead with a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4302Y pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4302Y is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
A6-6420K still makes the most sense overall. A6-6420K comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A6-6420K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A6-6420K vs Core i5-4302Y Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A6-6420K

The A6-6420K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Richland (2013βˆ’2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,571 points. Launch price was $70.

Intel

Core i5-4302Y

The Core i5-4302Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013βˆ’2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 11.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,580 points. Launch price was $281.

⚑

Processing Power

The A6-6420K packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-4302Y's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the A6-6420K versus 2.3 GHz on the Core i5-4302Y β€” a 58.5% clock advantage for the A6-6420K (base: 4 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The A6-6420K uses the Richland (2013βˆ’2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-4302Y uses Haswell (2013βˆ’2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the A6-6420K scores 1,571 against the Core i5-4302Y's 1,580 β€” a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-4302Y.

FeatureA6-6420KCore i5-4302Y
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
4.2 GHz+83%
2.3 GHz
Base Clock
4 GHz+150%
1.6 GHz
L3 Cache
β€”
3 MB
L2 Cache
1024 kB+100%
512 kB
Process
32 nm
22 nm-31%
Architecture
Richland (2013βˆ’2014)
Haswell (2013βˆ’2015)
PassMark
1,571
1,580
Geekbench 6 Single
β€”
676
Geekbench 6 Multi
β€”
1,086
🧠

Memory & Platform

The A6-6420K uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4302Y uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A6-6420K versus DDR3L-1600 / LPDDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4302Y β€” the A6-6420K supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-6420K supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB β€” 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (A6-6420K) vs 12 (Core i5-4302Y) β€” the A6-6420K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: FM2 (A6-6420K) and HM86,HM87 (Core i5-4302Y).

FeatureA6-6420KCore i5-4302Y
Socket
FM2
FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
1866+17%
DDR3L-1600 / LPDDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB+100%
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16+33%
12
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Only the A6-6420K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking β€” a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (A6-6420K) vs VT-x / VT-d / EPT (Core i5-4302Y). Both include integrated graphics β€” Radeon HD 8470D (A6-6420K) and Intel HD Graphics 4200 (Core i5-4302Y) β€” useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4302Y targets Productivity. Direct competitor: A6-6420K rivals Pentium G3258.

FeatureA6-6420KCore i5-4302Y
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 8470D
Intel HD Graphics 4200
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
VT-x / VT-d / EPT
Target Use
β€”
Productivity