A8-6500 vs Core i3-7102E

AMD

A8-6500

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.1 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-7102E

2 Cores4 Thrd25 WWMax: 2.1 GHz2017
Similar parts
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A8-6500 vs Core i3-7102E 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.

A8-6500 vs Core i3-7102E 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.

A8-6500 vs Core i3-7102E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-6500

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +7.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i3-7102E.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,598 vs 2,599).
  • 160% higher power demand at 65W vs 25W.

Core i3-7102E

2017

Why buy it

  • +0% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 25W instead of 65W, a 40W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A8-6500 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while A8-6500 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-6500.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7102E better than A8-6500?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A8-6500 is ahead with a 7.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-7102E pulls ahead with 0% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-7102E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i3-7102E is the better buy right now. Core i3-7102E comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0% better PassMark. The compromise is that A8-6500 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 7.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i3-7102E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A8-6500 vs Core i3-7102E Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A8-6500

The A8-6500 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 2,598 points. Launch price was $90.

Intel

Core i3-7102E

The Core i3-7102E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,599 points. Launch price was $225.

Processing Power

The A8-6500 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-7102E offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-6500 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the A8-6500 versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-7102E — a 64.5% clock advantage for the A8-6500. The A8-6500 uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-7102E uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A8-6500 scores 2,598 against the Core i3-7102E's 2,599 — a 0% lead for the Core i3-7102E. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-6500 vs 3 MB on the Core i3-7102E.

FeatureA8-6500Core i3-7102E
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
4.1 GHz+95%
2.1 GHz
Base Clock
3.5 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
3 MB
L2 Cache
4096 kB+700%
512 kB
Process
32 nm
14 nm-56%
Architecture
Richland (2013−2014)
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark
2,598
2,599
Cinebench R23 Multi
659
Geekbench 6 Single
1,962
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,898
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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A8-6500 versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7102E — the Core i3-7102E supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: FM2 (A8-6500) and Intel 100 Series,Intel 200 Series (Core i3-7102E).

FeatureA8-6500Core i3-7102E
Socket
FM2
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
1866
DDR4-2400+29%
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: true (A8-6500) vs Yes (Core i3-7102E). Both include integrated graphics Radeon HD 8570D (A8-6500) and Intel HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7102E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: A8-6500 rivals Core i3-4130.

FeatureA8-6500Core i3-7102E
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 8570D
Intel HD Graphics 630
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
Yes