A8-3520M vs Core i5-12400F
A8-3520M
Core i5-12400F
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. The A8-3520M is positioned at rank #806 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A8-3520M
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-12400F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A8-3520M | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A8-3520M | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) |
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 A8-3520M and Core i5-12400F
A8-3520M
The A8-3520M 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 1.6 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): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,441 points. Launch price was $90.
Core i5-12400F
The Core i5-12400F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 19,532 points. Launch price was $180.
Processing Power
The A8-3520M packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-12400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-12400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the A8-3520M versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F — a 55.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The A8-3520M uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-12400F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the A8-3520M scores 1,441 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 172.5% lead for the Core i5-12400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 255 vs 1,700, a 147.8% lead for the Core i5-12400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-3520M vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.
| Feature | A8-3520M | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz | 4.4 GHz+76% |
| Base Clock | 1.6 GHz | 2.5 GHz+56% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 18 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% |
| Process | 32 nm | Intel 7 nm-78% |
| Architecture | Llano (2011−2012) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 1,441 | 19,532+1255% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 12,380 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 255 | 1,700+567% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 657 |
Memory & Platform
The A8-3520M uses the FS1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-12400F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the A8-3520M versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F — the Core i5-12400F supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-12400F supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | A8-3520M | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FS1 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+67% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 128 GB+700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: AMD-V (A8-3520M) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F). The A8-3520M includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6620G), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3520M targets Budget Laptop, Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: A8-3520M rivals Core i3-2330M; Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | A8-3520M | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 6620G | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Budget Laptop | Gaming Performance/Value |
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