AMD A8-5500B

The AMD A8-5500B is a desktop processor from the Trinity generation, built on Piledriver architecture at a 32nm process node. It provides four physical cores and four threads, with a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost clock of 3.70 GHz. Its benchmark profile places it at the 17th percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 678. This analysis examines its single-thread and multi-thread behavior, thermal class, performance against nearby rivals, and the workloads it can realistically handle, based solely on the provided data.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Geekbench results show a single-core score of 394 and a multi-core score of 961. That multi-core figure is approximately 2.44 times the single-core score, a ratio that closely mirrors the four-core, four-thread configuration. With no simultaneous multithreading, the processor relies entirely on its physical cores for parallel work. The scaling from single to multi is strong, suggesting that workloads which can use all four cores will see a substantial throughput advantage over single-threaded tasks. However, the absolute single-core score of 394 is low, indicating that any application with a dominant single-thread dependency will likely become a bottleneck. The boost clock of 3.70 GHz is available, but the data does not specify whether it applies to one core or all cores; the benchmark scores reflect the actual behavior. For real-world use, this split implies that office productivity, web browsing, and legacy software that are largely single-threaded will feel modest, while multi-threaded tasks such as video transcoding, batch image processing, or compilation can leverage the four cores effectively. The lack of SMT means that eight-thread workloads will not see additional virtual cores, but for four-thread or fewer, the scaling is efficient. The 17th percentile standing suggests that in the broader CPU landscape, this processor is positioned well below average, and the single-core score is likely a major contributor to that low percentile.

Power and Thermals

The A8-5500B carries a TDP of 65 watts. This is a modest power envelope for a quad-core desktop processor with integrated graphics. The 65W class typically allows for a simple, low-profile cooling solution, though the data does not specify any cooler requirements. The integrated Radeon HD 7560D shares the same thermal budget, meaning the CPU cores themselves operate within a tighter power allowance. The 32nm process, with 1,303 million transistors on a 246 mm² die, indicates a relatively dense design for its time. Given the TDP, users can expect that a standard desktop chassis with adequate airflow will be sufficient; no exotic cooling is implied. The production status is end-of-life, so no new thermal solutions are being developed for it, but for existing systems, the 65W figure is a key specification for power supply sizing and case ventilation. The absence of ECC memory support also aligns with a consumer-oriented thermal and power profile, as server-class parts often require higher TDPs. In summary, the 65W TDP places this chip in a comfortable range for typical desktop builds, with no unusual thermal constraints.

Benchmark Performance

The average benchmark score of 678 places the A8-5500B at the 17th percentile of all CPUs. Its nearest rivals, as listed, are four Intel processors: the Xeon X3430 (average score 676, delta +0.4%), Xeon X5365 (average 682, delta -0.5%), Core i3-4000M (average 682, delta -0.6%), and Xeon E5472 (average 682, delta -0.6%). The deltas are all within 0.6 percentage points, meaning the A8-5500B is essentially performance-equivalent to these rivals. It is 0.4% faster than the Xeon X3430 and 0.5% to 0.6% slower than the other three. These differences are negligible in real-world terms. The Geekbench multi-core score of 961 is notably higher than the average score of 678, while the single-core score of 394 is much lower. This suggests that the average benchmark score is pulled down by the weak single-thread performance, but the multi-core result is comparatively respectable. When stacked against the nearest rivals, the A8-5500B holds its own in aggregate, despite being a desktop APU competing against server Xeons and a mobile Core i3. The data indicates that for multi-threaded applications, this chip can match those older Intel parts, but for single-threaded workloads, it likely trails them, given the low single-core Geekbench score. The percentile of 17 reinforces that this is a low-end processor by modern standards, but within its immediate peer group, it is not an outlier.

Who Should Consider It

Given the benchmark data, the A8-5500B is suitable for workloads that are primarily multi-threaded and do not demand high single-core speed. The multi-core score of 961 can handle applications like video encoding, 3D rendering (if the software scales well), or data processing that uses all four cores. The integrated Radeon HD 7560D provides basic display output, so a discrete GPU is unnecessary for office tasks, document editing, or media playback. However, the single-core score of 394 suggests that gaming, especially modern titles that rely on strong single-thread performance, will be a poor experience. Older or less CPU-intensive games might be playable, but the data does not provide any gaming-specific metrics. For office productivity, the four cores can manage multiple applications simultaneously, but single-threaded operations like complex spreadsheet calculations or scripting may feel sluggish. The lack of ECC memory and the locked multiplier further narrow its use case to mainstream desktop, not server or enthusiast overclocking. Since the production status is end-of-life, this processor is not for new builds; it is more relevant for those maintaining or upgrading an existing FM2 socket system. Users who need a low-cost, low-power desktop for light multi-threaded tasks and have no requirement for high single-thread performance could consider it, but the low percentile and weak single-core score are clear limitations.

How It Compares

vs. Intel Xeon X3430: The A8-5500B is 0.4% faster in average score (678 vs. 676). This is a statistical tie. The Xeon is a server-oriented part, but the A8 matches it in aggregate performance, likely due to the A8's higher multi-core score compensating for its lower single-core result.

vs. Intel Xeon X5365: The A8-5500B is 0.5% slower (delta -0.5%). The X5365, an older server chip, edges out the A8 by a negligible margin. In practice, the two would be indistinguishable in most workloads.

vs. Intel Core i3-4000M: The A8-5500B is 0.6% slower. The i3-4000M is a mobile dual-core with hyper-threading, yet it achieves a similar average score. This highlights that the A8's four physical cores do not provide a decisive advantage over a modern (at the time) dual-core with SMT, especially given the A8's weak single-thread performance.

vs. Intel Xeon E5472: The A8-5500B is 0.6% slower, identical to the comparison with the i3-4000M. The E5472 is another server chip, and the A8 trails by a hair. All four rivals are within 0.6 percentage points, meaning the A8-5500B sits in a very tight performance cluster.

FAQ

Q: What socket does the AMD A8-5500B use?

A: It uses AMD Socket FM2.

Q: Does it support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What is the integrated graphics model?

A: It integrates a Radeon HD 7560D.

Q: What is the thermal design power (TDP)?

A: The TDP is 65 watts.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth?

A: It supports dual-channel DDR3 with a bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s.

Platform and Compatibility

The A8-5500B is built for the AMD Socket FM2 platform. It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory with a peak bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s, and does not support ECC memory. The processor includes a PCIe Gen 2 interface, which is adequate for the era but limits modern high-bandwidth expansion cards. The integrated Radeon HD 7560D provides graphics output, eliminating the need for a separate GPU in basic desktop configurations. The part number is AD550BOKA44HJ. The production status is end-of-life, and the release date is 2012-10-01, so the platform is legacy. Upgrade paths within FM2 are limited to other FM2 processors, but none are listed in the data. The lack of an unlocked multiplier means no overclocking headroom. For users with an existing FM2 motherboard, this CPU could serve as a drop-in replacement, but for new systems, the platform offers no forward compatibility. The memory support is DDR3, which is also legacy, and the PCIe Gen 2 standard further restricts modern GPU choices. Overall, the A8-5500B is a self-contained, low-power desktop processor suited to basic tasks, but its platform is firmly in the past.