AMD A8-5500B
AMD processor specifications and benchmark scores
AMD A8-5500B Specifications
A8-5500B Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The AMD A8-5500B features 4 physical cores and 4 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
A8-5500B Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in A8-5500B benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The A8-5500B by AMD can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
AMD's A8-5500B Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the A8-5500B processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The A8-5500B's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Piledriver Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The AMD A8-5500B is built on AMD's 32 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in A8-5500B incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Piledriver Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The A8-5500B by AMD supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
A8-5500B Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The AMD A8-5500B has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
AMD Socket FM2 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The A8-5500B uses the AMD Socket FM2 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
AMD Socket FM2 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the A8-5500B define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the A8-5500B determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
AMD's A8-5500B Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The AMD A8-5500B includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the A8-5500B provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.
A8-5500B Product Information
Release and pricing details
The AMD A8-5500B is manufactured by AMD and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the A8-5500B by AMD offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within AMD's product lineup.
A8-5500B Benchmark Scores
geekbench_multicoreSource
Geekbench multi-core tests AMD A8-5500B across real-world workloads including image processing, machine learning, and data compression. All available threads are utilized to measure parallel performance. Higher scores indicate better capability in multitasking and content creation. The cross-platform nature of Geekbench allows direct comparison with systems running different operating systems.
geekbench_singlecoreSource
Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of AMD A8-5500B can process tasks like web browsing and document editing. This score correlates with how snappy the system feels during normal use. Many applications still depend primarily on single-thread performance. Gaming performance is also heavily influenced by single-core speed in CPU-limited scenarios.
About AMD A8-5500B
AMD's AMD A8-5500B belongs to the Trinity family, AMD's first native FM2 quad‑core APUs. Built on a 32 nm process, it merges four Piledriver cores with integrated Radeon HD 7560G graphics on a single die. With four physical cores and four threads, the chip targets mainstream desktops where cost and integration outweigh raw core count. The FM2 socket ties it to the early‑2010s motherboard ecosystem, offering DDR3‑1333/1600 memory support and a modest PCIe 2.0 lane count. The integrated GPU shares the same silicon, which helps keep board space low but also competes for thermal budget. Despite its age, the design still showcases AMD’s push for heterogeneous computing, laying groundwork for later Ryzen‑APU hybrids.
The A8-5500B from AMD shows its most immediate strength in clock speeds, with a 3.20 GHz base that can boost to 3.70 GHz under light loads. The turbo boost is governed by temperature and power headroom, so sustained multi‑core workloads often sit just below the peak frequency. In Geekbench 4 the single‑core score of 394 reflects the modest per‑core performance of the Piledriver core compared to contemporary Intel offerings. Multi‑core scoring at 961 points demonstrates that the four cores can still deliver a decent aggregate throughput for office suites and older games. The boost algorithm shines in bursty tasks like web browsing, where the chip spikes and then quickly returns to its efficient baseline. However, heavy multithreaded workloads such as modern video encoding quickly exhaust the thermal envelope, causing the frequency to dip and the benchmark numbers to flatten.
Power consumption is anchored by a 65 W TDP, a figure that was considered reasonable for a quad‑core APU in 2012. In idle or low‑load scenarios the part can dip below 15 W, making it suitable for small form‑factor builds and HTPCs. Under full CPU load the package draws close to its rated TDP, while the GPU portion adds another 10 15 W when the Radeon HD 7560G is stressed. This combined draw stays within the thermal limits of most stock coolers, but users pushing the boost clock should consider an aftermarket solution to avoid throttling. Compared to similarly specced Intel chips of the era, it trades a bit more heat for integrated graphics capability, which can simplify system design. The modest power envelope also translates to lower electricity costs over the life of the machine, an often‑overlooked advantage for budget builds.
Cache hierarchy plays a crucial role in the chip’s real‑world speed, with each core housing a 64 KB L1 cache split evenly between instructions and data. A shared 1 MB L2 cache sits behind the cores, acting as a fast buffer for both CPU and GPU workloads. Notably, the design lacks an L3 cache, a choice that keeps die size down but can hurt performance in cache‑heavy applications. The relatively small L2 pool means that memory‑intensive tasks often spill over to main DDR3, increasing latency and pulling down benchmark scores. Nevertheless, the integrated graphics engine can tap the same L2 cache, reducing the need for separate video memory bandwidth in light gaming scenarios. Overall, the cache arrangement reflects AMD’s emphasis on integration over raw compute density, a trade‑off that still feels balanced in the context of its target market.
When it comes to best‑use cases, the processor shines in budget‑oriented desktops that double as media centers. Its Radeon HD 7560G graphics are capable of handling 720p and even 1080p playback, making it a solid choice for HTPC builds paired with a quiet fanless case. Light gaming titles from the early 2010s, such as League of Legends, Counter‑Strike: Source, and older Battlefield entries, run at playable frame rates at medium settings. Productivity applications word processing, spreadsheets, and web development benefit from the four cores, delivering smooth multitasking without a discrete GPU. For hobbyists interested in retro emulation or low‑power Linux servers, the modest TDP and integrated graphics reduce component count and power draw. While it will struggle with modern AAA titles or heavy video rendering, the chip remains a competent workhorse for cost‑sensitive users who value an all‑in‑one solution.
The Intel Equivalent of A8-5500B
Looking for a similar processor from Intel? The Intel Core i5-3330S offers comparable performance and features in the Intel lineup.
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