A8-6500T vs Core i3-5015U

AMD

A8-6500T

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-5015U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.1 GHz2015
Similar parts
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A8-6500T vs Core i3-5015U 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.

A8-6500T vs Core i3-5015U 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.

A8-6500T vs Core i3-5015U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-6500T

2013

Why buy it

  • Draws 45W instead of 512W, a 467W reduction.
  • 33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i3-5015U.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,983 vs 1,990).

Core i3-5015U

2015

Why buy it

  • +0.4% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • 1037.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 45W.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-6500T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-5015U better than A8-6500T?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A8-6500T is ahead with a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-5015U pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-5015U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i3-5015U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-5015U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i3-5015U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 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.

A8-6500T vs Core i3-5015U Technical Specifications

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

AMD

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.

Intel

Core i3-5015U

The Core i3-5015U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,990 points. Launch price was $275.

Processing Power

The A8-6500T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-5015U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-6500T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the A8-6500T versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-5015U — a 38.5% clock advantage for the A8-6500T (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The A8-6500T uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-5015U uses Broadwell-U (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A8-6500T scores 1,983 against the Core i3-5015U's 1,990 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-5015U.

FeatureA8-6500TCore i3-5015U
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
3.1 GHz+48%
2.1 GHz
Base Clock
2.1 GHz
2.1 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
4096 kB+1500%
256K (per core)
Process
32 nm
14 nm-56%
Architecture
Richland (2013−2014)
Broadwell-U (2015)
PassMark
1,983
1,990
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Memory & Platform

The A8-6500T uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-5015U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A8-6500T versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-5015U — the A8-6500T supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-6500T supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (A8-6500T) vs 12 (Core i3-5015U) — the A8-6500T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureA8-6500TCore i3-5015U
Socket
FM2
FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
1866+17%
DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+300%
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16+33%
12
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (A8-6500T) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-5015U). Both include integrated graphics Radeon HD 8550D (A8-6500T) and HD Graphics 5500 (Core i3-5015U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-5015U targets Mobile. Direct competitor: A8-6500T rivals Core i3-3220T.

FeatureA8-6500TCore i3-5015U
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 8550D
HD Graphics 5500
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Mobile