A8-5500B vs Core i7-2720QM

A8-5500B vs Core i7-2720QM Performance Spectrum

A8-5500B

4 / 4

3,967

0.0%

Athlon II X4 630

Athlon X4 740

Athlon X4 830

Ryzen Embedded V1202B

Ryzen 7 6800H

Ryzen 7 8840HX

Ryzen 9 9955HX3D

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i7-2720QM

4 / 8

4,015

+1.2%

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.

A8-5500B vs Core i7-2720QM 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.

A8-5500B vs Core i7-2720QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-5500B

2012

Why buy it

✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i7-2720QM.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2720QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,967 vs 4,015).
❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Core i7-2720QM

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $378 MSRP, while A8-5500B mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-5500B.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2720QM better than A8-5500B?

Yes. Core i7-2720QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2720QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.2% 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 i7-2720QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-2720QM is the better buy right now. Core i7-2720QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $378 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (10.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

A8-5500B makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-5500B vs Core i7-2720QM Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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)	256K (per core)+25500%
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

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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 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-5500B supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% 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+17%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
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.