CPU
GPU
Core i5-3210M
A8-6500B
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. The Core i5-3210M is positioned at rank 158 and the A8-6500B is on rank 486, so the Core i5-3210M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3210M
Performance Per Dollar A8-6500B
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3210M | A8-6500B |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Richland (2013−2014) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3210M | A8-6500B |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i5-3210M and A8-6500B
Core i5-3210M
The Core i5-3210M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) 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 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,469 points. Launch price was $225.
A8-6500B
The A8-6500B 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 2,497 points. Launch price was $90.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3210M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the A8-6500B offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the A8-6500B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-3210M versus 4.1 GHz on the A8-6500B — a 27.8% clock advantage for the A8-6500B (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i5-3210M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the A8-6500B uses Richland (2013−2014) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3210M scores 2,469 against the A8-6500B's 2,497 — a 1.1% lead for the A8-6500B.
| Feature | Core i5-3210M | A8-6500B |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 4.1 GHz+32% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.5 GHz+40% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 4 MB+1500% |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Richland (2013−2014) |
| PassMark | 2,469 | 2,497+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 600 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,400 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3210M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the A8-6500B uses FM2 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3210M versus 1866 on the A8-6500B — the A8-6500B supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-6500B supports up to 64 of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM76,HM77 (Core i5-3210M) and FM2 (A8-6500B).
| Feature | Core i5-3210M | A8-6500B |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | FM2 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | 1866+62100% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+52428700% | 64 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3210M) vs true (A8-6500B). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3210M) and Radeon HD 8570D (A8-6500B) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3210M targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3210M rivals AMD A10-4600M; A8-6500B rivals Core i3-4130.
| Feature | Core i5-3210M | A8-6500B |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | Radeon HD 8570D |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
| Target Use | Mainstream Laptop | — |
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