A8-6600K vs Core i7-5650U

AMD

A8-6600K

4 Cores4 Thrd100 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2013
VS
Intel

Core i7-5650U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2015

A8-6600K vs Core i7-5650U 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.

A8-6600K vs Core i7-5650U 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.

A8-6600K vs Core i7-5650U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-6600K

2013

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +7.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…Draws 100W instead of 512W, a 412W reduction.
  • βœ…100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • βœ…Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 8570D, while Core i7-5650U needs a discrete GPU.
  • βœ…Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i7-5650U.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i7-5650U

2015

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A8-6600K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • ❌Lower PassMark (3,000 vs 3,002).
    • ❌412% higher power demand at 512W vs 100W.
    • ❌No integrated graphics, while A8-6600K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
    • ❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-6600K.

    Quick Answers

    So, is A8-6600K better than Core i7-5650U?
    Yes. A8-6600K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, A8-6600K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.1% 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, A8-6600K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    A8-6600K still makes the most sense overall. A8-6600K comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Core i7-5650U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    A8-6600K vs Core i7-5650U Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    A8-6600K

    The A8-6600K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Richland (2013βˆ’2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 3,002 points. Launch price was $142.

    Intel

    Core i7-5650U

    The Core i7-5650U 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4 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: 3,000 points. Launch price was $426.

    ⚑

    Processing Power

    The A8-6600K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-5650U offers 2 cores / 4 threads β€” the A8-6600K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the A8-6600K versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-5650U β€” a 30.1% clock advantage for the A8-6600K (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The A8-6600K uses the Richland (2013βˆ’2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-5650U uses Broadwell-U (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A8-6600K scores 3,002 against the Core i7-5650U's 3,000 β€” a 0.1% lead for the A8-6600K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-6600K vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-5650U.

    FeatureA8-6600KCore i7-5650U
    Cores / Threads
    4 / 4+100%
    2 / 4
    Boost Clock
    4.2 GHz+35%
    3.1 GHz
    Base Clock
    3.9 GHz+77%
    2.2 GHz
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    4 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    4096 kB+1500%
    256K (per core)
    Process
    32 nm
    14 nm-56%
    Architecture
    Richland (2013βˆ’2014)
    Broadwell-U (2015)
    PassMark
    3,002
    3,000
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The A8-6600K uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-5650U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureA8-6600KCore i7-5650U
    Socket
    FM2
    FCBGA1168
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0
    PCIe 3.0
    Max RAM Speed
    1866
    β€”
    Max RAM Capacity
    64
    β€”
    RAM Channels
    2
    β€”
    ECC Support
    No
    β€”
    PCIe Lanes
    16
    β€”
    πŸ”§

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: true (A8-6600K) / not specified (Core i7-5650U). The A8-6600K includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 8570D), while the Core i7-5650U requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: A8-6600K rivals Core i3-4130.

    FeatureA8-6600KCore i7-5650U
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    β€”
    IGPU Model
    Radeon HD 8570D
    β€”
    Unlocked
    Yes
    β€”
    AVX-512
    No
    β€”
    Virtualization
    true
    β€”