A8-6500B vs Core i5-2390T

AMD

A8-6500B

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.1 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-2390T

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2011
Similar parts
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A8-6500B vs Core i5-2390T 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.

A8-6500B vs Core i5-2390T 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.

A8-6500B vs Core i5-2390T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-6500B

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +7.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Core i5-2390T

2011

Why buy it

  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A8-6500B across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (2,491 vs 2,497).
  • Launch MSRP is still $182 MSRP, while A8-6500B mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is A8-6500B better than Core i5-2390T?
Yes. A8-6500B is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, A8-6500B is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.0% 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, A8-6500B is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
A8-6500B is still the much better call for a fresh build. A8-6500B comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-2390T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (13.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A8-6500B makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A8-6500B vs Core i5-2390T Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A8-6500B

The A8-6500B 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. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 2,497 points. Launch price was $90.

Intel

Core i5-2390T

The Core i5-2390T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,491 points. Launch price was $100.

Processing Power

The A8-6500B packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-2390T offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-6500B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the A8-6500B versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-2390T — a 15.8% clock advantage for the A8-6500B (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The A8-6500B uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-2390T uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A8-6500B scores 2,497 against the Core i5-2390T's 2,491 — a 0.2% lead for the A8-6500B.

FeatureA8-6500BCore i5-2390T
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
4.1 GHz+17%
3.5 GHz
Base Clock
3.5 GHz+30%
2.7 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
4 MB+1500%
256 kB (per core)
Process
32 nm
32 nm
Architecture
Richland (2013−2014)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
2,497
2,491
Geekbench 6 Single
614
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Memory & Platform

The A8-6500B uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2390T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A8-6500B versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2390T — the A8-6500B supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-6500B 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 (A8-6500B) and H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Core i5-2390T).

FeatureA8-6500BCore i5-2390T
Socket
FM2
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
1866+40%
DDR3-1333
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 (A8-6500B) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2390T). Both include integrated graphics Radeon HD 8570D (A8-6500B) and HD Graphics 2000 (Core i5-2390T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2390T targets Legacy Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-6500B rivals Core i3-4130; Core i5-2390T rivals A8-3800.

FeatureA8-6500BCore i5-2390T
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 8570D
HD Graphics 2000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Legacy Low Power Desktop