A8-6500B vs Core i5-3210M
A8-6500B
Core i5-3210M
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 A8-6500B is positioned at rank 486 and the Core i5-3210M is on rank 158, so the Core i5-3210M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A8-6500B
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3210M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A8-6500B | Core i5-3210M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Richland (2013−2014) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A8-6500B | Core i5-3210M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
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 A8-6500B and Core i5-3210M
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.
Core i5-3210M
The Core i5-3210M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) 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 (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,469 points. Launch price was $225.
Processing Power
The A8-6500B packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-3210M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-6500B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the A8-6500B versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-3210M — a 27.8% clock advantage for the A8-6500B (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The A8-6500B uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-3210M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the A8-6500B scores 2,497 against the Core i5-3210M's 2,469 — a 1.1% lead for the A8-6500B.
| Feature | A8-6500B | Core i5-3210M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+32% | 3.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+40% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB+1500% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Richland (2013−2014) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,497+1% | 2,469 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 600 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,400 |
Memory & Platform
The A8-6500B uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3210M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A8-6500B versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3210M — the A8-6500B supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-6500B supports up to 64 of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: FM2 (A8-6500B) and HM76,HM77 (Core i5-3210M).
| Feature | A8-6500B | Core i5-3210M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FM2 | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1866+62100% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 | 32 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (A8-6500B) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3210M). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 8570D (A8-6500B) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3210M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3210M targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: A8-6500B rivals Core i3-4130; Core i5-3210M rivals AMD A10-4600M.
| Feature | A8-6500B | Core i5-3210M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 8570D | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Mainstream Laptop |
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