A8-3870K vs Core m5-6Y57

A8-3870K vs Core m5-6Y57 Performance Spectrum

A8-3870K

4 / 4

2,360

+0.8%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core m5-6Y57

2 / 4

2,342

0.0%

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.

A8-3870K vs Core m5-6Y57 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.

A8-3870K vs Core m5-6Y57: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-3870K

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6550D, while Core m5-6Y57 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core m5-6Y57.

Trade-offs

❌2122.2% higher power demand at 100W vs 4.5W.

Core m5-6Y57

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 5W instead of 100W, a 96W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A8-3870K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,342 vs 2,360).
❌Launch MSRP is still $281 MSRP, while A8-3870K mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while A8-3870K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-3870K.

Quick Answers

So, is A8-3870K better than Core m5-6Y57?

Yes. A8-3870K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.1% 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, A8-3870K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.1% 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, A8-3870K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

A8-3870K is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. A8-3870K comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core m5-6Y57 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 3.1% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core m5-6Y57 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-3870K vs Core m5-6Y57 Technical Specifications

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

A8-3870K

The A8-3870K 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 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,360 points. Launch price was $90.

Core m5-6Y57

The Core m5-6Y57 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-Y (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,342 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

The A8-3870K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core m5-6Y57 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-3870K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the A8-3870K versus 2.8 GHz on the Core m5-6Y57 — a 6.9% clock advantage for the A8-3870K (base: 3 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The A8-3870K uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core m5-6Y57 uses Skylake-Y (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A8-3870K scores 2,360 against the Core m5-6Y57's 2,342 — a 0.8% lead for the A8-3870K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-3870K vs 4 MB (total) on the Core m5-6Y57.

Feature	A8-3870K	Core m5-6Y57
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz+7%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+173%	1.1 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Skylake-Y (2015)
PassMark	2,360	2,342
Geekbench 6 Single	380	—

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Memory & Platform

The A8-3870K uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core m5-6Y57 uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	A8-3870K	Core m5-6Y57
Socket	FM1	FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A8-3870K) / not specified (Core m5-6Y57). The A8-3870K includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6550D), while the Core m5-6Y57 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3870K targets Budget Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-3870K rivals Core i3-2125.