Core i5-4200M vs A8-5600K
Core i5-4200M
A8-5600K
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 i5-4200M is positioned at rank 1025 and the A8-5600K is on rank 437, so the A8-5600K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-4200M
Performance Per Dollar A8-5600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-4200M | A8-5600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Trinity (2012−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-4200M | A8-5600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ 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 i5-4200M and A8-5600K
Core i5-4200M
The Core i5-4200M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) 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. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,809 points. Launch price was $225.
A8-5600K
The A8-5600K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,860 points. Launch price was $90.
Processing Power
The Core i5-4200M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the A8-5600K offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the A8-5600K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4200M versus 3.9 GHz on the A8-5600K — a 22.9% clock advantage for the A8-5600K (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-4200M uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the A8-5600K uses Trinity (2012−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4200M scores 2,809 against the A8-5600K's 2,860 — a 1.8% lead for the A8-5600K. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4200M vs 0 kB on the A8-5600K.
| Feature | Core i5-4200M | A8-5600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.9 GHz+26% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.6 GHz+44% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 1 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Trinity (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,809 | 2,860+2% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-4200M uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the A8-5600K uses FM2 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-4200M versus 1866 on the A8-5600K — the A8-5600K supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-5600K 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.
| Feature | Core i5-4200M | A8-5600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA946 | FM2 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-1600 | 1866+62100% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+52428700% | 64 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the A8-5600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4200M) vs true (A8-5600K). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4200M) and Radeon HD 7560D (A8-5600K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4200M targets Mobile. Direct competitor: A8-5600K rivals Core i3-3220.
| Feature | Core i5-4200M | A8-5600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4600 | Radeon HD 7560D |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
| Target Use | Mobile | — |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i5-4200M and A8-5600K
