A8-5545M vs Core i3-560

AMD

A8-5545M

4 Cores4 Thrd25 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-560

2 Cores4 Thrd73 WWMax: 0.33 GHz2010
Similar parts
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A8-5545M vs Core i3-560 Performance Spectrum

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.

A8-5545M vs Core i3-560 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.

A8-5545M vs Core i3-560: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-5545M

2013

Why buy it

  • Draws 25W instead of 73W, a 48W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 8510G, while Core i3-560 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,628 vs 1,642).

Core i3-560

2010

Why buy it

  • +0.9% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $138 MSRP, while A8-5545M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 192% higher power demand at 73W vs 25W.
  • No integrated graphics, while A8-5545M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is A8-5545M better than Core i3-560?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A8-5545M is ahead with a 1.9% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-560 pulls ahead with 0.9% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-560 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
A8-5545M is still the much better call for a fresh build. A8-5545M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-560 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (11.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1156.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A8-5545M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-5545M vs Core i3-560 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A8-5545M

The A8-5545M is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FP2. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,628 points. Launch price was $90.

Intel

Core i3-560

The Core i3-560 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 0.33 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: 1,642 points. Launch price was $190.

Processing Power

The A8-5545M packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-560 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-5545M has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the A8-5545M versus 0.33 GHz on the Core i3-560 — a 156.4% clock advantage for the A8-5545M (base: 1.7 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The A8-5545M uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-560 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A8-5545M scores 1,628 against the Core i3-560's 1,642 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i3-560. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-5545M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-560.

FeatureA8-5545MCore i3-560
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.7 GHz+718%
0.33 GHz
Base Clock
1.7 GHz
3.33 GHz+96%
L3 Cache
0 kB
4 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)+300%
256 kB (per core)
Process
32 nm
32 nm
Architecture
Richland (2013−2014)
Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark
1,628
1,642
Geekbench 6 Single
288
Geekbench 6 Multi
786
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Memory & Platform

The A8-5545M uses the FP2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-560 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureA8-5545MCore i3-560
Socket
FP2
LGA1156
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A8-5545M) / not specified (Core i3-560). The A8-5545M includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 8510G), while the Core i3-560 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-5545M targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: A8-5545M rivals Core i3-4000M.

FeatureA8-5545MCore i3-560
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 8510G
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Target Use
Legacy Laptop