Core i5-480M vs A4-5050
Core i5-480M
A4-5050
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 i5-480M is positioned at rank 6 and the A4-5050 is on rank 831, so the Core i5-480M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-480M
Performance Per Dollar A4-5050
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-480M | A4-5050 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($77) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Kabini (2013−2014) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-480M | A4-5050 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($77) | ✅ 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 i5-480M and A4-5050
Core i5-480M
The Core i5-480M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 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: 1,327 points. Launch price was $81.
A4-5050
The A4-5050 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Kabini (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FT3. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,328 points. Launch price was $50.
Processing Power
The Core i5-480M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the A4-5050 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the A4-5050 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-480M versus 1.5 GHz on the A4-5050 — a 64.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-480M. The Core i5-480M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the A4-5050 uses Kabini (2013−2014) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-480M scores 1,327 against the A4-5050's 1,328 — a 0.1% lead for the A4-5050. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-480M vs 0 kB on the A4-5050.
| Feature | Core i5-480M | A4-5050 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.93 GHz+95% | 1.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.66 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) | Kabini (2013−2014) |
| PassMark | 1,327 | 1,328 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 180 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-480M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the A4-5050 uses FT3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core i5-480M versus DDR3L-1600 on the A4-5050 — the Core i5-480M supports 198.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A4-5050 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-480M) vs 1 (A4-5050). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-480M) vs 8 (A4-5050) — the Core i5-480M offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i5-480M | A4-5050 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | FT3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066+35433% | DDR3L-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 16 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+100% | 8 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-480M) vs AMD-V (A4-5050). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-480M) and Radeon HD 8330 (A4-5050) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-5050 targets Entry Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-480M rivals AMD Turion II M620; A4-5050 rivals Pentium N3530.
| Feature | Core i5-480M | A4-5050 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) | Radeon HD 8330 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Entry Laptop |
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