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 A8-5500 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,615 points. Launch price was $90.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The A8-5500 is positioned at rank #472 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 A8-5500

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

7153%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

6759%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

4907%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

1478%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

1171%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1024%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

587%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

579%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

527%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

527%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

521%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

507%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

500%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

498%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

494%

#364

Celeron G6900TE

MSRP: $53|Avg: $64

100%

#365

Core i5-8600T

MSRP: $213|Avg: $213

99%

#366

Celeron G4950

MSRP: $52|Avg: $63

99%

#367

Core i9-10900E

MSRP: $488|Avg: $450

99%

#368

Core i7-9700KF

MSRP: $374|Avg: $333

98%

#472

A8-5500

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#476

Athlon X4 830

MSRP: $70|Avg: $25

99%

#480

Athlon X4 860K

MSRP: $80|Avg: $20

98%

#483

Core i7-8700

MSRP: $303|Avg: $110

97%

#487

Pentium Dual-Core E2220

MSRP: $32|Avg: $32

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for A8-5500 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of A8-5500 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The A8-5500 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.7 GHz from a base frequency of 3.2 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 2,615, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	A8-5500
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Trinity (2012−2013)
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	246 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,178 million
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,615

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A8-5500 fits into the FM2 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to 1866 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Radeon HD 7560D — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	A8-5500
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	FM2
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	1866
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	64
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 7560D
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	FM2
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium G2120.

Specification	A8-5500
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	true
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Pentium G2120

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The A8-5500 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 true stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock Cooler.

Specification	A8-5500
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	true
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock Cooler

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #472 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2355 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	A8-5500
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$90
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#472
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2355
Release DateLaunch date	2014-01-01
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD