Core i7-5650U vs PRO A12-8870E

Intel

Core i7-5650U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

PRO A12-8870E

4 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2016
Similar parts
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Core i7-5650U vs PRO A12-8870E Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i7-5650U vs PRO A12-8870E FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i7-5650U vs PRO A12-8870E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-5650U

2015

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (3,000 vs 3,010).
    • 1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

    PRO A12-8870E

    2016

    Why buy it

    • Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

    Trade-offs

    • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

    Quick Answers

    So, is PRO A12-8870E better than Core i7-5650U?
    Yes. PRO A12-8870E is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 42 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, PRO A12-8870E is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% more average FPS across 42 shared CPU game tests.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, PRO A12-8870E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    PRO A12-8870E still makes the most sense overall. PRO A12-8870E comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 42 shared CPU game tests in our data.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    PRO A12-8870E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2015) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Core i7-5650U vs PRO A12-8870E Technical Specifications

    Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

    Intel

    Core i7-5650U

    The Core i7-5650U 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,000 points. Launch price was $426.

    AMD

    PRO A12-8870E

    The PRO A12-8870E is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Outubro 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Carrizo (2015−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,010 points. Launch price was $69.

    Processing Power

    The Core i7-5650U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the PRO A12-8870E offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the PRO A12-8870E has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-5650U versus 3.8 GHz on the PRO A12-8870E — a 20.3% clock advantage for the PRO A12-8870E (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-5650U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the PRO A12-8870E uses Carrizo (2015−2018) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-5650U scores 3,000 against the PRO A12-8870E's 3,010 — a 0.3% lead for the PRO A12-8870E.

    FeatureCore i7-5650UPRO A12-8870E
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 4
    4 / 4+100%
    Boost Clock
    3.1 GHz
    3.8 GHz+23%
    Base Clock
    2.2 GHz
    2.9 GHz+32%
    L3 Cache
    4 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    256K (per core)
    2048 kB+700%
    Process
    14 nm-50%
    28 nm
    Architecture
    Broadwell-U (2015)
    Carrizo (2015−2018)
    PassMark
    3,000
    3,010
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core i7-5650U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the PRO A12-8870E uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCore i7-5650UPRO A12-8870E
    Socket
    FCBGA1168
    AM4
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0
    PCIe 3.0