A8-5557M vs Core i3-2105

A8-5557M vs Core i3-2105 Performance Spectrum

A8-5557M

4 / 4

1,831

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-2105

2 / 4

1,837

+0.3%

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.

A8-5557M vs Core i3-2105 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.

A8-5557M vs Core i3-2105: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-5557M

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,831 vs 1,837).

Core i3-2105

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $138 MSRP, while A8-5557M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2105 better than A8-5557M?

Yes. Core i3-2105 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2105 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2105 is the better buy right now. Core i3-2105 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $138 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

A8-5557M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-5557M vs Core i3-2105 Technical Specifications

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

A8-5557M

The A8-5557M 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 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FP2. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,831 points. Launch price was $90.

Core i3-2105

The Core i3-2105 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,837 points. Launch price was $145.

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Processing Power

The A8-5557M packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-2105 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-5557M has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the A8-5557M versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2105 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The A8-5557M uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-2105 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A8-5557M scores 1,831 against the Core i3-2105's 1,837 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-2105. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-5557M vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2105.

Feature	A8-5557M	Core i3-2105
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	3.1 GHz+48%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Richland (2013−2014)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,831	1,837

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Memory & Platform

The A8-5557M uses the FP2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-2105 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the A8-5557M versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2105 — the A8-5557M supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2105 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	A8-5557M	Core i3-2105
Socket	FP2	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
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 (A8-5557M) vs VT-x (Core i3-2105). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 8510G / 8550G (A8-5557M) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2105) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2105 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-5557M rivals Core i3-4000M.