CPU
GPU
A8-6500T
Core i3-2120
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 A8-6500T is positioned at rank 557 and the Core i3-2120 is on rank 911, so the A8-6500T offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A8-6500T
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2120
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A8-6500T | Core i3-2120 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($25) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Richland (2013−2014) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A8-6500T | Core i3-2120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($25) |
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 A8-6500T and Core i3-2120
A8-6500T
The A8-6500T 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 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,983 points. Launch price was $90.
Core i3-2120
The Core i3-2120 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,979 points. Launch price was $95.
Processing Power
The A8-6500T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-2120 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-6500T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the A8-6500T versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-2120 — a 6.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-2120 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The A8-6500T uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-2120 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A8-6500T scores 1,983 against the Core i3-2120's 1,979 — a 0.2% lead for the A8-6500T.
| Feature | A8-6500T | Core i3-2120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.3 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.3 GHz+57% |
| L3 Cache | — | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 4096 kB+1500% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Richland (2013−2014) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,983 | 1,979 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 1,073 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 534 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,140 |
Memory & Platform
The A8-6500T uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-2120 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A8-6500T versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2120 — the A8-6500T supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-6500T 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 (A8-6500T) and H61,H67,P67,Z68,Q65,Q67,B75,H77,Q75,Q77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2120).
| Feature | A8-6500T | Core i3-2120 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FM2 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1866+62100% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 | 32 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: true (A8-6500T) vs Yes (Core i3-2120). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 8550D (A8-6500T) and Intel HD Graphics 2000 (Core i3-2120) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: A8-6500T rivals Core i3-3220T.
| Feature | A8-6500T | Core i3-2120 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 8550D | Intel HD Graphics 2000 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | Yes |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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