Core i5-450M vs A4-1250
Core i5-450M
A4-1250
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 i5-450M is positioned at rank 10 and the A4-1250 is on rank 1023, so the Core i5-450M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-450M
Performance Per Dollar A4-1250
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-450M | A4-1250 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($31) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Temash (2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-450M | A4-1250 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+3%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($31) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
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 i5-450M and A4-1250
Core i5-450M
The Core i5-450M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.66 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: 1,264 points. Launch price was $32.
A4-1250
The A4-1250 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Temash (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FT3. Thermal design power (TDP): 8 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,258 points. Launch price was $50.
Processing Power
The Core i5-450M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the A4-1250's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.66 GHz on the Core i5-450M versus 1 GHz on the A4-1250 — a 90.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-450M. The Core i5-450M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the A4-1250 uses Temash (2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-450M scores 1,264 against the A4-1250's 1,258 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-450M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-450M vs 0 kB on the A4-1250.
| Feature | Core i5-450M | A4-1250 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.66 GHz+166% | 1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Temash (2013) |
| PassMark | 1,264 | 1,258 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 111 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 188 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-450M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the A4-1250 uses FT3 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core i5-450M versus DDR3L 1333 MHz on the A4-1250 — the A4-1250 supports 186.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-450M) vs 1 (A4-1250). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-450M) vs 8 (A4-1250) — the Core i5-450M offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-450M) and FT3 (A4-1250).
| Feature | Core i5-450M | A4-1250 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | FT3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066+35433% | DDR3L 1333 MHz |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 8 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+100% | 8 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-450M) and Radeon HD 8210 (A4-1250) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-1250 targets Tablet. Direct competitor: Core i5-450M rivals AMD Turion II M620; A4-1250 rivals Atom Z3740.
| Feature | Core i5-450M | A4-1250 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) | Radeon HD 8210 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
| Target Use | — | Tablet |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-450M launched at $32 MSRP, while the A4-1250 debuted at $100. At current prices ($31 vs $30), the A4-1250 is $1 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-450M delivers 40.8 pts/$ vs 41.9 pts/$ for the A4-1250 — making the A4-1250 the 2.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-450M | A4-1250 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $32-68% | $100 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $31 | $30-3% |
| Performance per Dollar | 40.8 | 41.9+3% |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2013 |
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