A8-3800 vs Core i3-2130

CPU

GPU

A8-3800

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2011

Similar parts

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Core i3-2130

2 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2011

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A8-3800 vs Core i3-2130 Performance Spectrum

A8-3800

4 / 4

2,051

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-2130

2 / 4

2,067

+0.8%

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.

A8-3800 vs Core i3-2130 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.

A8-3800 vs Core i3-2130: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-3800

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $8 less on MSRP ($130 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (370 vs 505).
❌Lower PassMark (2,051 vs 2,067).

Core i3-2130

2011

Why buy it

✅+36.5% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌
6.2% HIGHER MSRP
$138 MSRPvs$130 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2130 better than A8-3800?

Yes. Core i3-2130 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-2130 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% 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, Core i3-2130 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2130 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-2130 comes in 6.2% more expensive on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $130 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. A8-3800 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 5.3% better value on paper (15.8 vs 15.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on FM1.

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

Core i3-2130 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

A8-3800 vs Core i3-2130 Technical Specifications

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

A8-3800

The A8-3800 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,051 points. Launch price was $90.

Core i3-2130

The Core i3-2130 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,067 points. Launch price was $123.

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Processing Power

The A8-3800 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-2130 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-3800 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the A8-3800 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-2130 — a 23% clock advantage for the Core i3-2130 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The A8-3800 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-2130 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A8-3800 scores 2,051 against the Core i3-2130's 2,067 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i3-2130. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 370 vs 505, a 30.9% lead for the Core i3-2130 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-3800 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2130.

Feature	A8-3800	Core i3-2130
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.4 GHz+26%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	3.4 GHz+42%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,051	2,067
Geekbench 6 Single	370	505+36%
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,350	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A8-3800 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-2130 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the A8-3800 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2130 — the A8-3800 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75 (A8-3800) and H61,B65,H67,P67,Z68,Q67,Q75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2130).

Feature	A8-3800	Core i3-2130
Socket	FM1	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866+40%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A8-3800) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2130). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 6550D (A8-3800) and HD Graphics 2000 (Core i3-2130) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3800 targets Budget Desktop, Core i3-2130 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-3800 rivals Core i3-2100; Core i3-2130 rivals Pentium G860.

Feature	A8-3800	Core i3-2130
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Radeon HD 6550D	HD Graphics 2000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	VT-x, EPT
Target Use	Budget Desktop	Mainstream Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A8-3800 was priced at $130, while the Core i3-2130 came in at $138. On launch pricing ($130 vs $138), A8-3800 was $8 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A8-3800 delivers 15.8 pts/$ vs 15.0 pts/$ for the Core i3-2130 — making the A8-3800 the 5.2% better value option.

Feature	A8-3800	Core i3-2130
MSRP	$130-6%	$138
Performance per Dollar	15.8+5%	15.0
Release Date	2011	2011

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