A9-9425 vs Core i3-530

AMD

A9-9425

2 Cores2 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2016
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-530

2 Cores4 Thrd73 WWMax: 0.93 GHz2010
Similar parts
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A9-9425 vs Core i3-530 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.

A9-9425 vs Core i3-530 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.

A9-9425 vs Core i3-530: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A9-9425

2016

Why buy it

  • Draws 15W instead of 73W, a 58W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (8 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon R5 (Stoney Ridge), while Core i3-530 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.1 vs 13.4 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $113 MSRP).

Core i3-530

2010

Why buy it

  • Costs $37 less on MSRP ($113 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
  • Delivers 32.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.4 vs 10.1 PassMark/$ ($113 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,516 vs 1,518).
  • 386.7% higher power demand at 73W vs 15W.
  • No integrated graphics, while A9-9425 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is A9-9425 better than Core i3-530?
Yes. A9-9425 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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, A9-9425 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% 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, A9-9425 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
A9-9425 is still the much better call for a fresh build. A9-9425 comes in 32.7% more expensive on MSRP at $150 MSRP versus $113 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-530 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 32.6% better value on paper (13.4 vs 10.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1156.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A9-9425 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A9-9425 vs Core i3-530 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A9-9425

The A9-9425 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 31 May 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FT4. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,518 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Core i3-530

The Core i3-530 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 0.93 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,516 points. Launch price was $60.

Processing Power

The A9-9425 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-530's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the A9-9425 versus 0.93 GHz on the Core i3-530 — a 119.7% clock advantage for the A9-9425 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The A9-9425 uses the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i3-530 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A9-9425 scores 1,518 against the Core i3-530's 1,516 — a 0.1% lead for the A9-9425. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A9-9425 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-530.

FeatureA9-9425Core i3-530
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz+298%
0.93 GHz
Base Clock
3.1 GHz+6%
2.93 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
4 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)+300%
256 kB (per core)
Process
28 nm-13%
32 nm
Architecture
Stoney Ridge (2016−2019)
Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark
1,518
1,516
Geekbench 6 Single
422
Geekbench 6 Multi
724
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Memory & Platform

The A9-9425 uses the FT4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-530 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureA9-9425Core i3-530
Socket
FT4
LGA1156
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
RAM Channels
1
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
8
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A9-9425) / not specified (Core i3-530). The A9-9425 includes integrated graphics (Radeon R5 (Stoney Ridge)), while the Core i3-530 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A9-9425 targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: A9-9425 rivals Pentium N4200.

FeatureA9-9425Core i3-530
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon R5 (Stoney Ridge)
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Target Use
Budget Laptop
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Value Analysis

At launch, the A9-9425 was priced at $150, while the Core i3-530 came in at $113. On launch pricing ($150 vs $113), Core i3-530 was $37 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A9-9425 delivers 10.1 pts/$ vs 13.4 pts/$ for the Core i3-530 — making the Core i3-530 the 28% better value option.

FeatureA9-9425Core i3-530
MSRP
$150
$113-25%
Performance per Dollar
10.1
13.4+33%
Release Date
2016
2010

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