CPU
GPU
Core i5-5257U
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 i5-5257U is positioned at rank 725 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 i5-5257U
Performance Per Dollar A8-5600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-5257U | A8-5600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell-U (2015) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Trinity (2012−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-5257U | A8-5600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 i5-5257U and A8-5600K
Core i5-5257U
The Core i5-5257U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,837 points. Launch price was $315.
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 i5-5257U 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 i5-5257U versus 3.9 GHz on the A8-5600K — a 22.9% clock advantage for the A8-5600K (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-5257U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the A8-5600K uses Trinity (2012−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-5257U scores 2,837 against the A8-5600K's 2,860 — a 0.8% lead for the A8-5600K. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-5257U vs 0 kB on the A8-5600K.
| Feature | Core i5-5257U | A8-5600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.9 GHz+26% |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.6 GHz+33% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Broadwell-U (2015) | Trinity (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,837 | 2,860 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 950 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,900 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-5257U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the A8-5600K uses FM2 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR3 1866 MHz on the Core i5-5257U versus 1866 on the A8-5600K — the Core i5-5257U supports 177.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-5600K supports up to 64 of RAM compared to 16 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-5257U) vs 16 (A8-5600K) — the A8-5600K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Broadwell-U (Core i5-5257U) and FM2 (A8-5600K).
| Feature | Core i5-5257U | A8-5600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1168 | FM2 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR3 1866 MHz | 1866+62100% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+26214300% | 64 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 16+33% |
Advanced Features
Only the A8-5600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel Iris Graphics 6100 (Core i5-5257U) and Radeon HD 7560D (A8-5600K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-5257U targets Mobile. Direct competitor: A8-5600K rivals Core i3-3220.
| Feature | Core i5-5257U | A8-5600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel Iris Graphics 6100 | Radeon HD 7560D |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
| Target Use | Mobile | — |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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