CPU
GPU
A8-3500M
Core 2 Duo E6550
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 A8-3500M is positioned at rank 821 and the Core 2 Duo E6550 is on rank 1022, so the A8-3500M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A8-3500M
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E6550
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A8-3500M | Core 2 Duo E6550 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Conroe (2006−2007) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A8-3500M | Core 2 Duo E6550 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
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 A8-3500M and Core 2 Duo E6550
A8-3500M
The A8-3500M 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: 1,391 points. Launch price was $90.
Core 2 Duo E6550
The Core 2 Duo E6550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.33 GHz, with boost up to 2.33 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,395 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The A8-3500M packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Duo E6550 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the A8-3500M has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the A8-3500M versus 2.33 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E6550 — a 3% clock advantage for the A8-3500M (base: 1.5 GHz vs 2.33 GHz). The A8-3500M uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E6550 uses Conroe (2006−2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the A8-3500M scores 1,391 against the Core 2 Duo E6550's 1,395 — a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo E6550. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | A8-3500M | Core 2 Duo E6550 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.4 GHz+3% | 2.33 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.5 GHz | 2.33 GHz+55% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 4 MB+300% |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Llano (2011−2012) | Conroe (2006−2007) |
| PassMark | 1,391 | 1,395 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 231 | — |
Memory & Platform
The A8-3500M uses the FS1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo E6550 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the A8-3500M versus 1333 on the Core 2 Duo E6550 — the Core 2 Duo E6550 supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (A8-3500M) vs 16 (Core 2 Duo E6550) — the A8-3500M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | A8-3500M | Core 2 Duo E6550 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FS1 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 1333+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+104857500% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A8-3500M) vs true (Core 2 Duo E6550). The A8-3500M includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6620G), while the Core 2 Duo E6550 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3500M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: A8-3500M rivals Core i3-2310M; Core 2 Duo E6550 rivals Athlon 64 X2 6000+.
| Feature | A8-3500M | Core 2 Duo E6550 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 6620G | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | true |
| Target Use | Budget Laptop | — |
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