AMD A8-5500B

AMD A8-5500B

AMD A8-5500B: A Budget Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025

An up-to-date analysis of an outdated chip — is it worth considering today?


1. Key Specifications: Trinity Architecture and Its Features

The AMD A8-5500B processor, released in 2012, is based on the Trinity (Piledriver) microarchitecture and is manufactured using a 32nm process technology. It is a 4-core CPU with 4 threads and a TDP of 65W, which looks archaic in 2025. The integrated graphics, Radeon HD 7560D (384 stream processors), is a key feature that allows it to operate without a discrete graphics card for simple tasks.

Performance:

- Geekbench 6: 391 (single-core), 962 (multi-core).

These scores are comparable to modern budget processors like the Intel Celeron G6900 (Geekbench 6 ~450/1200) but fall significantly behind even basic Ryzen 3 or 12th generation Core i3 CPUs.

Key Features:

- Support for AVX and AES-NI instructions.

- Turbo Core 3.0 technology (automatic overclocking up to 3.7 GHz).

- Low power consumption — suitable for compact PCs.


2. Compatible Motherboards: FM2 Socket and Chipsets

The A8-5500B uses the FM2 socket, which limits the choice of motherboards to outdated models:

- Chipsets: A55, A75, A85X.

- Recommendations:

- ASUS A85XM-A (price in 2025: $50–70, if new stock is available).

- Gigabyte GA-F2A55M-DS2.

Selection Features:

- Lack of USB 3.0 support on the A55 chipset.

- For overclocking, you need motherboards with A85X chipset and good VRM cooling.

- New motherboards are no longer produced — look for leftovers on Amazon or Aliexpress.


3. Supported Memory: Only DDR3

The processor works with DDR3-1866 MHz in dual-channel mode. In 2025, this is a significant drawback:

- DDR3 bandwidth (up to 25.6 GB/s) is 2-3 times lower than that of DDR4/DDR5.

- Recommendations:

- Use two 4 GB modules (e.g. Kingston HyperX DDR3-1866) to activate dual-channel mode.

- Maximum capacity — 64 GB, but for office tasks, 8–16 GB is sufficient.

Important: DDR3 is not compatible with modern platforms — upgrading the system will require replacing the CPU, motherboard, and memory.


4. Power Supply: Calculations and Recommendations

With a TDP of 65W and no discrete graphics card, a budget PSU rated at 300–400W is sufficient (e.g. be quiet! System Power 10 400W, $45).

Scenarios:

- With discrete GPU: For cards like the GTX 1650 (TDP 75W), choose a PSU rated at 450–500W (EVGA 500 BR, $55).

- Without GPU: Even 250W units will suffice, but they are hard to find for sale.

Tip: Don't skimp on the PSU — older models often have low efficiency and unreliable protection schemes.


5. Pros and Cons of A8-5500B in 2025

Pros:

- Price: New processors (if available) — $50–60.

- Integrated Graphics: HD 7560D can run Dota 2 at low settings (720p, 30–40 FPS).

- Energy Efficiency: Suitable for media centers or mini PCs.

Cons:

- Weak Performance: Loading Photoshop or Chrome with 10 tabs causes lag.

- Outdated Platform: No support for NVMe, USB 3.1, Wi-Fi 6.

- Limited Upgrade: Maximum for FM2 is the A10-6800K, which is also outdated.


6. Usage Scenarios: What is the Processor Good For

- Office Tasks: Working with documents, video conferencing (Zoom, Teams).

- Multimedia: Watching Full HD videos, streaming via YouTube.

- Light Gaming: Minecraft, CS:GO (720p, low settings).

- Home Server: NAS based on Linux (for example, OpenMediaVault).

Real Example:

A user built a PC with the A8-5500B for their parents — web surfing, document printing, and Skype. Cost of the build: $200 (including used components).


7. Comparison with Competitors

Intel Pentium G3220 (Haswell, 2013):

- Pros: Better single-core performance.

- Cons: No integrated graphics comparable to HD 7560D.

AMD Ryzen 3 3200G (2019):

- Pros: 4 cores/4 threads, Vega 8 GPU, DDR4 support.

- Cons: Price $100–120 (new), requires AM4 platform.

Conclusion: The A8-5500B falls short even against modern budget CPUs, but it can be advantageous when on an extremely low budget.


8. Practical Assembly Tips

- SSD is Essential: Kingston A400 240 GB ($25) will eliminate OS loading lags.

- Cooling Case: Even a box cooler will suffice, but ensure ventilation in compact cases (e.g., Fractal Design Core 1100).

- Discrete Graphics Card: Add a GT 1030 ($90) if you need to play Fortnite at 720p.

- OS: Windows 10 LTSC or Linux (Ubuntu) for better optimization.


9. Final Verdict: Who is A8-5500B Suitable For?

This processor should be considered only in extreme cases:

- Budget up to $200: For an office PC or home theater.

- Retro assembly enthusiasts: Experimenting with old games on Windows 7.

- Backup systems: For example, a file storage server.

Alternative: If the budget allows $300–400, build a system on Ryzen 5 5600G — it’s 3–4 times faster and supports modern technologies.


Conclusion: The AMD A8-5500B in 2025 is a relic, but it can still be useful for narrow tasks. However, in most cases, it is better to invest in more modern platforms.

Basic

Label Name
AMD
Platform
Desktop
Launch Date
October 2012
Model Name
?
The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.
A8-5500B
Code Name
Trinity
Generation
A8 (Trinity)

CPU Specifications

Total Cores
?
Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).
4
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
4
Basic Frequency
3.2 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency
?
Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.
up to 3.7 GHz
L1 Cache
192 KB
L2 Cache
4 MB (shared)
Multiplier
32.0x
Bus Frequency
100 MHz
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
AMD Socket FM2
Multiplier Unlocked
No
Technology
?
Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.
32 nm
TDP
65 W
PCI Express Version
?
PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.
Gen 2
Transistors
1,303 million

Memory Specifications

Memory Type
?
Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.
DDR3
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
Dual-channel
ECC Memory
No

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model
?
An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.
Radeon HD 7560D

Benchmarks

Geekbench 6
Single Core Score
391
Geekbench 6
Multi Core Score
962
Geekbench 5
Single Core Score
444
Geekbench 5
Multi Core Score
1206
Passmark CPU
Single Core Score
1349
Passmark CPU
Multi Core Score
2648

Compared to Other CPU

Geekbench 6 Single Core
456 +16.6%
422 +7.9%
391
357 -8.7%
311 -20.5%
Geekbench 6 Multi Core
1224 +27.2%
1081 +12.4%
962
868 -9.8%
722 -24.9%
Geekbench 5 Single Core
484 +9%
465 +4.7%
444
422 -5%
394 -11.3%
Geekbench 5 Multi Core
1363 +13%
1286 +6.6%
1206
1109 -8%
1056 -12.4%
Passmark CPU Single Core
1419 +5.2%
1384 +2.6%
1349
1292 -4.2%
1242 -7.9%
Passmark CPU Multi Core
2992 +13%
2846 +7.5%
2648
2448 -7.6%
2289 -13.6%