Core i7-2657M vs A8-7680
Core i7-2657M
A8-7680
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. The Core i7-2657M is positioned at rank #268 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2657M
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-2657M | A8-7680 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Excavator (2017−2018) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-2657M | A8-7680 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 i7-2657M and A8-7680
Core i7-2657M
The Core i7-2657M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,491 points. Launch price was $317.
A8-7680
The A8-7680 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 26 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Excavator (2017−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,523 points. Launch price was $56.
Processing Power
The Core i7-2657M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the A8-7680 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the A8-7680 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i7-2657M versus 3.8 GHz on the A8-7680 — a 33.8% clock advantage for the A8-7680 (base: 1.6 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-2657M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the A8-7680 uses Excavator (2017−2018) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2657M scores 3,491 against the A8-7680's 3,523 — a 0.9% lead for the A8-7680.
| Feature | Core i7-2657M | A8-7680 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.8 GHz+41% |
| Base Clock | 1.6 GHz | 3.5 GHz+119% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB | — |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 1 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 32 nm | 28 nm-13% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Excavator (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 3,491 | 3,523 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 535 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-2657M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the A8-7680 uses FM2+ (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2657M versus 2133 on the A8-7680 — the A8-7680 supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-7680 supports up to 64 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67,UM67 (Core i7-2657M) and FM2+ (A8-7680).
| Feature | Core i7-2657M | A8-7680 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | FM2+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 2133+71000% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+13107100% | 64 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2657M) vs true (A8-7680). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2657M) and Radeon R7 Graphics (A8-7680) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2657M targets Ultrabook. Direct competitor: Core i7-2657M rivals A6-3420M; A8-7680 rivals Core i3-4150.
| Feature | Core i7-2657M | A8-7680 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 3000 | Radeon R7 Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | true |
| Target Use | Ultrabook | — |
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