A6-9225 vs Core i5-480M

A6-9225 vs Core i5-480M Performance Spectrum

A6-9225

2 / 2

1,334

+0.5%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-480M

2 / 4

1,327

0.0%

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.

A6-9225 vs Core i5-480M 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.

A6-9225 vs Core i5-480M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A6-9225

2018

Why buy it

✅Draws 1W instead of 35W, a 34W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i5-480M

2011

Why buy it

✅100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,327 vs 1,334).
❌Launch MSRP is still $81 MSRP, while A6-9225 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌3400% higher power demand at 35W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is A6-9225 better than Core i5-480M?

Yes. A6-9225 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, A6-9225 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.9% 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, A6-9225 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

A6-9225 is still the much better call for a fresh build. A6-9225 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $81 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-480M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (16.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

A6-9225 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 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.

A6-9225 vs Core i5-480M Technical Specifications

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

A6-9225

The A6-9225 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: BGA. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,334 points. Launch price was $70.

Core i5-480M

The Core i5-480M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 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: 1,327 points. Launch price was $81.

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Processing Power

The A6-9225 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-480M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the A6-9225 versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-480M — a 5.6% clock advantage for the A6-9225 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The A6-9225 uses the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i5-480M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A6-9225 scores 1,334 against the Core i5-480M's 1,327 — a 0.5% lead for the A6-9225.

Feature	A6-9225	Core i5-480M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz+6%	2.93 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	2.66 GHz+2%
L3 Cache	—	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Stoney Ridge (2016−2019)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,334	1,327

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Memory & Platform

The A6-9225 uses the BGA socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-480M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the A6-9225 versus 1066 on the Core i5-480M — the A6-9225 supports 100.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 1 (A6-9225) vs 2 (Core i5-480M). PCIe lanes: 8 (A6-9225) vs 16 (Core i5-480M) — the Core i5-480M offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD BGA soldered (A6-9225) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-480M).

Feature	A6-9225	Core i5-480M
Socket	BGA	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+100%	1066
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	8	16+100%

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (A6-9225) / true (Core i5-480M). Both include integrated graphics — AMD Radeon R4 (A6-9225) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-480M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-480M rivals AMD Turion II M620.