A8-6500 vs Core i7-3687U

AMD

A8-6500

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.1 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-3687U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2013
Similar parts
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A8-6500 vs Core i7-3687U 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 i7-3687U 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 i7-3687U: 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: +4.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i7-3687U.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,598 vs 2,621).

Core i7-3687U

2013

Why buy it

  • +0.9% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A8-6500 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • 687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-6500.

Quick Answers

So, is A8-6500 better than Core i7-3687U?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A8-6500 is ahead with a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3687U pulls ahead with 0.9% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3687U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
A8-6500 still makes the most sense overall. A8-6500 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-3687U is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

A8-6500 vs Core i7-3687U 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 i7-3687U

The Core i7-3687U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,621 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The A8-6500 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-3687U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-6500 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the A8-6500 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3687U — a 21.6% clock advantage for the A8-6500 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The A8-6500 uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-3687U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the A8-6500 scores 2,598 against the Core i7-3687U's 2,621 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i7-3687U. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-6500 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3687U.

FeatureA8-6500Core i7-3687U
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
4.1 GHz+24%
3.3 GHz
Base Clock
3.5 GHz+67%
2.1 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
4 MB (total)
L2 Cache
4096 kB+1500%
256K (per core)
Process
32 nm
22 nm-31%
Architecture
Richland (2013−2014)
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark
2,598
2,621
Geekbench 6 Single
640
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,240
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Memory & Platform

The A8-6500 uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3687U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A8-6500 versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i7-3687U — the A8-6500 supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-6500 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. Chipset compatibility: FM2 (A8-6500) and QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3687U).

FeatureA8-6500Core i7-3687U
Socket
FM2
BGA1023
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
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

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (A8-6500) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3687U). Both include integrated graphics Radeon HD 8570D (A8-6500) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3687U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3687U targets Enthusiast. Direct competitor: A8-6500 rivals Core i3-4130; Core i7-3687U rivals Ryzen 7 3700U.

FeatureA8-6500Core i7-3687U
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 8570D
HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Enthusiast