A8-5557M vs Core i3-2310E

AMD

A8-5557M

4 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-2310E

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.1 GHz2011
Similar parts
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A8-5557M vs Core i3-2310E 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.

A8-5557M vs Core i3-2310E 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 i3-2310E: 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

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,831 vs 1,845).

    Core i3-2310E

    2011

    Why buy it

    • +0.8% higher PassMark.

    Trade-offs

    • Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while A8-5557M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Core i3-2310E better than A8-5557M?
    It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A8-5557M is ahead with a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2310E pulls ahead with 0.8% better PassMark.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2310E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Core i3-2310E is the better buy right now. Core i3-2310E comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.8% better PassMark. The compromise is that A8-5557M is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-2310E Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    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.

    Intel

    Core i3-2310E

    The Core i3-2310E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,845 points. Launch price was $225.

    Processing Power

    The A8-5557M packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-2310E offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-5557M has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the A8-5557M versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-2310E — a 38.5% clock advantage for the A8-5557M (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The A8-5557M uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-2310E uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A8-5557M scores 1,831 against the Core i3-2310E's 1,845 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i3-2310E. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-5557M vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2310E.

    FeatureA8-5557MCore i3-2310E
    Cores / Threads
    4 / 4+100%
    2 / 4
    Boost Clock
    3.1 GHz+48%
    2.1 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.1 GHz
    2.1 GHz
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    3 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    1 MB (per core)
    256K (per core)+25500%
    Process
    32 nm
    32 nm
    Architecture
    Richland (2013−2014)
    Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
    PassMark
    1,831
    1,845
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The A8-5557M uses the FP2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-2310E uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the A8-5557M versus 1333 on the Core i3-2310E — the A8-5557M supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: FP2,FS1r2 (A8-5557M) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i3-2310E).

    FeatureA8-5557MCore i3-2310E
    Socket
    FP2
    BGA1023
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0+50%
    PCIe 2.0
    Max RAM Speed
    1600+20%
    1333
    Max RAM Capacity
    16
    16
    RAM Channels
    2
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    16
    16
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics Radeon HD 8510G / 8550G (A8-5557M) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2310E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: A8-5557M rivals Core i3-4000M; Core i3-2310E rivals Core i3-2330M.

    FeatureA8-5557MCore i3-2310E
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    Radeon HD 8510G / 8550G
    Intel HD Graphics 3000
    Unlocked
    No
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    No
    Virtualization
    true
    true