A8-5600K vs Core i5-4278U
A8-5600K
Core i5-4278U
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The A8-5600K is positioned at rank 437 and the Core i5-4278U is on rank 726, so the A8-5600K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A8-5600K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-4278U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A8-5600K | Core i5-4278U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Trinity (2012−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A8-5600K | Core i5-4278U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of A8-5600K and Core i5-4278U
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 i5-4278U
The Core i5-4278U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,826 points. Launch price was $315.
Processing Power
The A8-5600K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-4278U 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 i5-4278U — a 22.9% clock advantage for the A8-5600K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The A8-5600K uses the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-4278U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the A8-5600K scores 2,860 against the Core i5-4278U's 2,826 — a 1.2% lead for the A8-5600K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-5600K vs 3 MB on the Core i5-4278U.
| Feature | A8-5600K | Core i5-4278U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz+26% | 3.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+38% | 2.6 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+1% | 2,826 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 1,688 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 889 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,860 |
Memory & Platform
The A8-5600K uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-4278U uses FCBGA1168 (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 i5-4278U — the A8-5600K supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-5600K supports up to 64 of RAM compared to 16 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (A8-5600K) vs 12 (Core i5-4278U) — the A8-5600K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: FM2 (A8-5600K) and Intel HM86,Intel HM87,Intel QM87 (Core i5-4278U).
| Feature | A8-5600K | Core i5-4278U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FM2 | FCBGA1168 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1866+62100% | DDR3L-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 | 16 GB+26214300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+33% | 12 |
Advanced Features
Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 7560D (A8-5600K) and Intel Iris Graphics 5100 (Core i5-4278U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: A8-5600K rivals Core i3-3220.
| Feature | A8-5600K | Core i5-4278U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 7560D | Intel Iris Graphics 5100 |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
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