A8-3510MX vs Athlon X2 QL-65

AMD

A8-3510MX

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Athlon X2 QL-65

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.1 GHz2009
Similar parts
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A8-3510MX vs Athlon X2 QL-65 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.

A8-3510MX vs Athlon X2 QL-65 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.

A8-3510MX vs Athlon X2 QL-65: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-3510MX

2011

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6620G, while Athlon X2 QL-65 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • 4400% higher power demand at 45W vs 1W.

Athlon X2 QL-65

2009

Why buy it

  • Draws 1W instead of 45W, a 44W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,630 vs 1,631).
  • Launch MSRP is still $150 MSRP, while A8-3510MX mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • No integrated graphics, while A8-3510MX can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is A8-3510MX better than Athlon X2 QL-65?
Yes. A8-3510MX is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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, A8-3510MX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.3% 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, A8-3510MX is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
A8-3510MX is still the much better call for a fresh build. A8-3510MX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $150 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon X2 QL-65 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (10.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on S1g2.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A8-3510MX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A8-3510MX vs Athlon X2 QL-65 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A8-3510MX

The A8-3510MX 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 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,631 points. Launch price was $90.

AMD

Athlon X2 QL-65

The Athlon X2 QL-65 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Lion (2008−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1g2. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,630 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The A8-3510MX packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Athlon X2 QL-65 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the A8-3510MX has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the A8-3510MX versus 2.1 GHz on the Athlon X2 QL-65 — a 17.4% clock advantage for the A8-3510MX. The A8-3510MX uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon X2 QL-65 uses Lion (2008−2009) (65 nm). In PassMark, the A8-3510MX scores 1,631 against the Athlon X2 QL-65's 1,630 — a 0.1% lead for the A8-3510MX. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureA8-3510MXAthlon X2 QL-65
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.5 GHz+19%
2.1 GHz
Base Clock
1.8 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
1 MB
Process
32 nm-51%
65 nm
Architecture
Llano (2011−2012)
Lion (2008−2009)
PassMark
1,631
1,630
Geekbench 6 Single
252
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Memory & Platform

The A8-3510MX uses the FS1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon X2 QL-65 uses S1g2 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the A8-3510MX versus DDR2-667 on the Athlon X2 QL-65 — the A8-3510MX supports 139.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-3510MX supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (A8-3510MX) vs 0 (Athlon X2 QL-65) — the A8-3510MX offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureA8-3510MXAthlon X2 QL-65
Socket
FS1
S1g2
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600+140%
DDR2-667
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB+100%
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
20
0
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A8-3510MX) / not specified (Athlon X2 QL-65). The A8-3510MX includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6620G), while the Athlon X2 QL-65 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3510MX targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: A8-3510MX rivals Core i5-2410M.

FeatureA8-3510MXAthlon X2 QL-65
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 6620G
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Target Use
Mainstream Laptop