A8-5500B vs Core i7-2720QM
A8-5500B
Core i7-2720QM
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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The A8-5500B is positioned at rank 326 and the Core i7-2720QM is on rank 1062, so the A8-5500B offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A8-5500B
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2720QM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A8-5500B | Core i7-2720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Trinity (2012−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A8-5500B | Core i7-2720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) |
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 A8-5500B and Core i7-2720QM
A8-5500B
The A8-5500B 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: 3,967 points. Launch price was $90.
Core i7-2720QM
The Core i7-2720QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,015 points. Launch price was $378.
Processing Power
The A8-5500B packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2720QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the A8-5500B versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-2720QM — a 11.4% clock advantage for the A8-5500B (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The A8-5500B uses the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-2720QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A8-5500B scores 3,967 against the Core i7-2720QM's 4,015 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-2720QM. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-5500B vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2720QM.
| Feature | A8-5500B | Core i7-2720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz+12% | 3.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+45% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core)+300% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Trinity (2012−2013) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 3,967 | 4,015+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 700 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 2,600 |
Memory & Platform
The A8-5500B uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-2720QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A8-5500B versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-2720QM — the A8-5500B supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-5500B supports up to 64 of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: FM2 (A8-5500B) and HM65,HM67,QM67 (Core i7-2720QM).
| Feature | A8-5500B | Core i7-2720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FM2 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1866+62100% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 | 32 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (A8-5500B) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-2720QM). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 7560D (A8-5500B) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2720QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2720QM targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: A8-5500B rivals Pentium G2120; Core i7-2720QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.
| Feature | A8-5500B | Core i7-2720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 7560D | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Performance Laptop |
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