A8-3500M vs Pentium M 725

AMD

A8-3500M

4 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium M 725

1 Cores1 Thrd21 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2004
Similar parts
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A8-3500M vs Pentium M 725 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.

A8-3500M vs Pentium M 725 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.

A8-3500M vs Pentium M 725: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-3500M

2011

Why buy it

  • +54% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6620G, while Pentium M 725 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,391 vs 1,400).
  • 66.7% higher power demand at 35W vs 21W.

Pentium M 725

2004

Why buy it

  • +0.6% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 21W instead of 35W, a 14W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (150 vs 231).
  • No integrated graphics, while A8-3500M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium M 725 better than A8-3500M?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A8-3500M is ahead with a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Pentium M 725 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, Pentium M 725 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Pentium M 725 still makes the most sense overall. Pentium M 725 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A8-3500M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2004). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-3500M vs Pentium M 725 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

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.

Intel

Pentium M 725

The Pentium M 725 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Dothan (2004−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 7.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,400 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The A8-3500M packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Pentium M 725 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the A8-3500M has 3 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the A8-3500M versus 1.6 GHz on the Pentium M 725 — a 40% clock advantage for the A8-3500M (base: 1.5 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The A8-3500M uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium M 725 uses Dothan (2004−2005) (90 nm). In PassMark, the A8-3500M scores 1,391 against the Pentium M 725's 1,400 — a 0.6% lead for the Pentium M 725. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 231 vs 150, a 42.5% lead for the A8-3500M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureA8-3500MPentium M 725
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+300%
1 / 1
Boost Clock
2.4 GHz+50%
1.6 GHz
Base Clock
1.5 GHz
1.6 GHz+7%
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
2 MB+100%
Process
32 nm-64%
90 nm
Architecture
Llano (2011−2012)
Dothan (2004−2005)
PassMark
1,391
1,400
Geekbench 6 Single
231+54%
150
Geekbench 6 Multi
150
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Memory & Platform

The A8-3500M uses the FS1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium M 725 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the A8-3500M versus DDR-333 on the Pentium M 725 — the A8-3500M supports -500.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-3500M supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (A8-3500M) vs 1 (Pentium M 725). PCIe lanes: 20 (A8-3500M) vs 0 (Pentium M 725) — the A8-3500M offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureA8-3500MPentium M 725
Socket
FS1
PGA478
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0+82%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
DDR-333
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB+700%
2 GB
RAM Channels
2+100%
1
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
20
0
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A8-3500M) vs None (Pentium M 725). The A8-3500M includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6620G), while the Pentium M 725 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3500M targets Budget Laptop, Pentium M 725 targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: A8-3500M rivals Core i3-2310M.

FeatureA8-3500MPentium M 725
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 6620G
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
None
Target Use
Budget Laptop
Legacy Laptop