Core i5-2515E vs A6-9500
Core i5-2515E
A6-9500
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Per Dollar A6-9500
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2515E | A6-9500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2515E | A6-9500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Core i5-2515E and A6-9500
Core i5-2515E
The Core i5-2515E 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 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,882 points. Launch price was $266.
A6-9500
The A6-9500 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 1,876 points. Launch price was $64.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2515E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the A6-9500's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core i5-2515E versus 3.8 GHz on the A6-9500 — a 41.3% clock advantage for the A6-9500 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i5-2515E uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the A6-9500 uses Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2515E scores 1,882 against the A6-9500's 1,876 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-2515E. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2515E vs 0 kB on the A6-9500.
| Feature | Core i5-2515E | A6-9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.8 GHz+52% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.5 GHz+40% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1024 kB+300% |
| Process | 32 nm | 28 nm-13% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 1,882 | 1,876 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 530 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2515E uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the A6-9500 uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2515E versus DDR4-2400 on the A6-9500 — the A6-9500 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-9500 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-2515E) vs 8 (A6-9500) — the Core i5-2515E offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM65,QM67 (Core i5-2515E) and AMD AM4 (A6-9500).
| Feature | Core i5-2515E | A6-9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR4-2400+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 64 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+100% | 8 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2515E) / not specified (A6-9500). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2515E) and AMD Radeon R5 (A6-9500) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2515E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-2515E rivals Embedded R-Series.
| Feature | Core i5-2515E | A6-9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 3000 | AMD Radeon R5 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Embedded | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-2515E launched at $0 MSRP, while the A6-9500 debuted at $101. At current prices ($0 vs $25), the Core i5-2515E is $25 cheaper.
| Feature | Core i5-2515E | A6-9500 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $0-100% | $101 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $0-100% | $25 |
| Performance per Dollar | — | 75.0 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2017 |
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