A8-5600K vs Core i5-4200M

A8-5600K vs Core i5-4200M Performance Spectrum

A8-5600K

4 / 4

2,860

+1.8%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-4200M

2 / 4

2,809

0.0%

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.

A8-5600K vs Core i5-4200M 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.

A8-5600K vs Core i5-4200M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-5600K

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 100W instead of 512W, a 412W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i5-4200M.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i5-4200M

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A8-5600K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,809 vs 2,860).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while A8-5600K mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌412% higher power demand at 512W vs 100W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-5600K.

Quick Answers

So, is A8-5600K better than Core i5-4200M?

Yes. A8-5600K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, A8-5600K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.4% 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, A8-5600K is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

A8-5600K is still the much better call for a fresh build. A8-5600K comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4200M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (12.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA946.

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

Core i5-4200M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-5600K vs Core i5-4200M Technical Specifications

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

A8-5600K

The A8-5600K 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 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,860 points. Launch price was $90.

Core i5-4200M

The Core i5-4200M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,809 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The A8-5600K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-4200M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-5600K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the A8-5600K versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4200M — a 22.9% clock advantage for the A8-5600K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The A8-5600K uses the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-4200M uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the A8-5600K scores 2,860 against the Core i5-4200M's 2,809 — a 1.8% lead for the A8-5600K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-5600K vs 3 MB on the Core i5-4200M.

Feature	A8-5600K	Core i5-4200M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+26%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+44%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)+100%	512 kB
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Trinity (2012−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,860+2%	2,809

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Memory & Platform

The A8-5600K uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-4200M uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A8-5600K versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-4200M — the A8-5600K supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-5600K 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.

Feature	A8-5600K	Core i5-4200M
Socket	FM2	PGA946
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	1866+17%	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the A8-5600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (A8-5600K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4200M). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 7560D (A8-5600K) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4200M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4200M targets Mobile. Direct competitor: A8-5600K rivals Core i3-3220.