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.

Overview

The A6-3500 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,439 points. Launch price was $70.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The A6-3500 is positioned at rank #707 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar A6-3500

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

12999%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

12283%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

8918%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

2687%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2128%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1862%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1066%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1052%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

958%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

958%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

947%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

922%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

909%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

905%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

897%

#391

Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX

MSRP: $1299|Avg: $1300

99%

#707

A6-3500

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#709

Core i3-4360T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $40

100%

#711

Core i5-3470S

MSRP: $184|Avg: $37

99%

#712

Core i5-4670T

MSRP: $189|Avg: $35

99%

#713

Core i5-2400S

MSRP: $135|Avg: $10

98%

#714

Pentium G3420

MSRP: $86|Avg: $40

98%

#715

Core i5-6500

MSRP: $239|Avg: $123

98%

#716

Core i7-4770T

MSRP: $250|Avg: $39

98%

#717

Core i3-4340

MSRP: $149|Avg: $50

98%

#718

Core i5-4690K

MSRP: $243|Avg: $101

98%

#719

Core i5-4670R

MSRP: $224|Avg: $29

97%

#720

Core i5-3340

MSRP: $182|Avg: $15

97%

#721

Core i7-4770

MSRP: $303|Avg: $50

97%

#722

Athlon II X3 440

MSRP: $75|Avg: $10

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for A6-3500 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of A6-3500 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The A6-3500 is a 3-core / 3-thread processor based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.4 GHz from a base frequency of 2.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 1 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 128 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,439, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 265.

Specification	A6-3500
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	3C / 3T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Llano (2011−2012)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	228 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,178 million
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,439
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	265

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A6-3500 fits into the FM1 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1866 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Radeon HD 6530D — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	A6-3500
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	FM1
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1866
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Radeon HD 6530D
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	A55,A75
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The A6-3500 is primarily designed for Budget Desktop. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium G620.

Specification	A6-3500
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Budget Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	AMD-V
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Pentium G620

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The A6-3500 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	A6-3500
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #707 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2826 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	A6-3500
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$70
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#707
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2826
Release DateLaunch date	2014-01-01
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD