A8-5500 vs Core i5-680

A8-5500 vs Core i5-680 Performance Spectrum

A8-5500

4 / 4

2,615

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-680

2 / 4

2,620

+0.2%

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.

A8-5500 vs Core i5-680 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.

A8-5500 vs Core i5-680: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-5500

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 73W, a 8W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i5-680.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,615 vs 2,620).

Core i5-680

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $294 MSRP, while A8-5500 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-5500.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-680 better than A8-5500?

Yes. Core i5-680 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-680 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% 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 i5-680 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-680 is the better buy right now. Core i5-680 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $294 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

A8-5500 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-5500 vs Core i5-680 Technical Specifications

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

A8-5500

The A8-5500 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,615 points. Launch price was $90.

Core i5-680

The Core i5-680 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 April 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.86 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,620 points. Launch price was $272.

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Processing Power

The A8-5500 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-680 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-5500 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the A8-5500 versus 3.86 GHz on the Core i5-680 — a 4.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-680 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The A8-5500 uses the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-680 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A8-5500 scores 2,615 against the Core i5-680's 2,620 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-680. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-5500 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-680.

Feature	A8-5500	Core i5-680
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	3.86 GHz+4%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	3.6 GHz+12%
L3 Cache	0 kB	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Trinity (2012−2013)	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,615	2,620

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Memory & Platform

The A8-5500 uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-680 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A8-5500 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-680 — the A8-5500 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-5500 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	A8-5500	Core i5-680
Socket	FM2	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1866+40%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+300%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (A8-5500) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-680). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 7560D (A8-5500) and HD Graphics (Core i5-680) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-680 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-5500 rivals Pentium G2120.