Core i5-2510E vs PRO A6-8550B

Intel

Core i5-2510E

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

PRO A6-8550B

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 4 GHz2015
Similar parts
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Core i5-2510E vs PRO A6-8550B 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.

Core i5-2510E vs PRO A6-8550B 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.

Core i5-2510E vs PRO A6-8550B: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2510E

2011

Why buy it

  • +0.1% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while PRO A6-8550B needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $230 MSRP, while PRO A6-8550B mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

PRO A6-8550B

2015

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,882 vs 1,884).
    • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
    • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2510E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Core i5-2510E better than PRO A6-8550B?
    It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, PRO A6-8550B is ahead with a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2510E pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2510E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Core i5-2510E is the better buy right now. Core i5-2510E comes in at an unclear MSRP at $230 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that PRO A6-8550B is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    PRO A6-8550B makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Core i5-2510E vs PRO A6-8550B Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Core i5-2510E

    The Core i5-2510E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,884 points. Launch price was $266.

    AMD

    PRO A6-8550B

    The PRO A6-8550B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 1,882 points. Launch price was $69.

    Processing Power

    The Core i5-2510E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the PRO A6-8550B's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-2510E versus 4 GHz on the PRO A6-8550B — a 25.4% clock advantage for the PRO A6-8550B (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i5-2510E uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the PRO A6-8550B uses Godaveri (2014−2016) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2510E scores 1,884 against the PRO A6-8550B's 1,882 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-2510E.

    FeatureCore i5-2510EPRO A6-8550B
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 4
    2 / 2
    Boost Clock
    3.1 GHz
    4 GHz+29%
    Base Clock
    2.5 GHz
    3.5 GHz+40%
    L3 Cache
    3 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    256K (per core)
    1024 kB+300%
    Process
    32 nm
    28 nm-13%
    Architecture
    Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
    Godaveri (2014−2016)
    PassMark
    1,884
    1,882
    Geekbench 6 Single
    527
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core i5-2510E uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the PRO A6-8550B uses FM2+ (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCore i5-2510EPRO A6-8550B
    Socket
    PGA988
    FM2+
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0
    PCIe 3.0+50%
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR3-1333
    Max RAM Capacity
    16 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    16
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2510E) / not specified (PRO A6-8550B). The Core i5-2510E includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the PRO A6-8550B requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2510E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-2510E rivals Embedded R-Series.

    FeatureCore i5-2510EPRO A6-8550B
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    HD Graphics 3000
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x, VT-d, EPT
    Target Use
    Embedded