CPU
GPU
A6-7400K
Core i7-2617M
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 A6-7400K is positioned at rank 869 and the Core i7-2617M is on rank 287, so the Core i7-2617M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A6-7400K
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2617M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A6-7400K | Core i7-2617M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($43) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Kaveri (2014−2015) / 28 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A6-7400K | Core i7-2617M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($43) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 A6-7400K and Core i7-2617M
A6-7400K
The A6-7400K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,678 points. Launch price was $70.
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 A6-7400K packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-2617M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the A6-7400K versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i7-2617M — a 40% clock advantage for the A6-7400K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). The A6-7400K uses the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i7-2617M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A6-7400K scores 1,678 against the Core i7-2617M's 1,687 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-2617M.
| Feature | A6-7400K | Core i7-2617M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz+50% | 2.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+133% | 1.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 4 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1024 kB+100% | 512 kB |
| Process | 28 nm-13% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Kaveri (2014−2015) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,678 | 1,687 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 448 |
Memory & Platform
The A6-7400K uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2617M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A6-7400K versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2617M — the A6-7400K supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-7400K 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. Chipset compatibility: FM2+ (A6-7400K) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67,UM67 (Core i7-2617M).
| Feature | A6-7400K | Core i7-2617M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FM2+ | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1866+62100% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 8 GB+26214300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the A6-7400K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (A6-7400K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2617M). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon R5 Graphics (A6-7400K) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2617M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2617M targets Ultrabook. Direct competitor: A6-7400K rivals Pentium G3420; Core i7-2617M rivals A6-3400M.
| Feature | A6-7400K | Core i7-2617M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon R5 Graphics | HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Ultrabook |
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