A8-4555M vs Core i3-3217UE

A8-4555M vs Core i3-3217UE Performance Spectrum

A8-4555M

4 / 4

1,341

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-3217UE

2 / 4

1,362

+1.6%

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.

A8-4555M vs Core i3-3217UE 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.

A8-4555M vs Core i3-3217UE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-4555M

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,341 vs 1,362).

Core i3-3217UE

2012

Why buy it

✅+1.6% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 17W instead of 19W, a 2W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while A8-4555M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3217UE better than A8-4555M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A8-4555M is ahead with a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3217UE pulls ahead with 1.6% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3217UE is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3217UE is the better buy right now. Core i3-3217UE comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that A8-4555M is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (6.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-3217UE is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

A8-4555M vs Core i3-3217UE Technical Specifications

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

A8-4555M

The A8-4555M is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FP2. Thermal design power (TDP): 19 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 1,341 points. Launch price was $90.

Core i3-3217UE

The Core i3-3217UE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 August 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 1,362 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The A8-4555M packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-3217UE offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-4555M has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the A8-4555M versus 1.6 GHz on the Core i3-3217UE — a 40% clock advantage for the A8-4555M. The A8-4555M uses the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-3217UE uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the A8-4555M scores 1,341 against the Core i3-3217UE's 1,362 — a 1.6% lead for the Core i3-3217UE. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-4555M vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3217UE.

Feature	A8-4555M	Core i3-3217UE
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz+50%	1.6 GHz
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	—
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4 MB (total)+1500%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Trinity (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	1,341	1,362+2%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	353
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	790

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Memory & Platform

The A8-4555M uses the FP2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-3217UE uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the A8-4555M versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3217UE — the Core i3-3217UE supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: FP2 (A8-4555M) and HM65,QM77 (Core i3-3217UE).

Feature	A8-4555M	Core i3-3217UE
Socket	FP2	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	1333	DDR3-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (A8-4555M) vs Yes (Core i3-3217UE). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 7600G (A8-4555M) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3217UE) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3217UE targets Embedded. Direct competitor: A8-4555M rivals Core i3-2367M.