CPU Comparison

The AMD A10-7700K and AMD A10-5800B are two end-of-life desktop processors from AMD, representing different architectural generations of the company's APU line. The A10-7700K, based on the Steamroller architecture and codenamed Kaveri, was released in January 2014. The A10-5800B, based on the older Piledriver architecture and codenamed Trinity, arrived in October 2012. Benchmark data shows a near tie between the two, with the average benchmark score of the A10-7700K at 801 points and the A10-5800B at 794 points, placing them at the 22nd and 21st percentiles of all CPUs, respectively. The head-to-head results are split, with the A10-7700K winning the multi-core test and the A10-5800B taking the single-core test, making the choice between them highly dependent on workload.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher multi-core benchmark score?

A: The AMD A10-7700K wins the geekbench_multicore test with a score of 1155, compared to the A10-5800B's score of 1128. This represents a 2.4% advantage for the A10-7700K.

Q: Which processor has the higher single-core benchmark score?

A: The AMD A10-5800B wins the geekbench_singlecore test with a score of 459, while the A10-7700K scores 447. The A10-5800B has a 2.6% lead in this test.

Q: What is the difference in their average benchmark scores?

A: The A10-7700K has an average benchmark score of 801, while the A10-5800B has an average score of 794. The difference is only 7 points, which is within the margin of error for most workloads.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory type?

A: Yes, both the AMD A10-7700K and the AMD A10-5800B support DDR3 memory and feature a dual-channel memory bus. However, the memory bandwidth differs, with the A10-7700K rated at 34.1 GB/s and the A10-5800B rated at 29.9 GB/s.

Q: Are both processors unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, they differ in this respect. The AMD A10-7700K has an unlocked multiplier, indicated by the 'K' suffix, while the AMD A10-5800B does not have an unlocked multiplier.

Q: What are the socket requirements for each processor?

A: The AMD A10-7700K uses the AMD Socket FM2+ socket, while the AMD A10-5800B uses the older AMD Socket FM2 socket. These sockets are not electrically compatible with each other.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent distinct architectural generations from AMD, and the data shows significant differences in their underlying designs. The A10-7700K is built on the Steamroller architecture with the codename Kaveri, while the A10-5800B uses the Piledriver architecture with the codename Trinity. This architectural shift is reflected in the manufacturing process: the A10-7700K uses a 28 nm process node, whereas the A10-5800B uses a larger 32 nm process node. Both are fabricated by GlobalFoundries.

The transistor counts highlight the generational leap. The A10-7700K contains 2,411 million transistors on a die size of 245 mm². In contrast, the A10-5800B contains only 1,303 million transistors on a slightly larger die size of 246 mm². This means the A10-7700K packs nearly twice the transistor density into essentially the same physical space, a direct result of the smaller 28 nm process.

Cache configurations also differ. The A10-7700K has a total L1 cache of 256 KB, while the A10-5800B has a smaller L1 cache of 192 KB. Both processors have 4 MB of L2 cache, but the A10-5800B's L2 cache is described as shared, whereas the A10-7700K's cache is not explicitly labeled as such. Neither processor has an L3 cache. The integrated graphics are also different generations: the A10-7700K features Radeon R7 graphics, while the A10-5800B features Radeon HD 7660D graphics.

PCIe support is another differentiator. The A10-7700K provides PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU, while the A10-5800B only supports PCIe Gen 2. This is a notable difference for expansion card performance. The A10-7700K also has a higher memory bandwidth rating of 34.1 GB/s compared to the A10-5800B's 29.9 GB/s, despite both using dual-channel DDR3.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results present a clear split between the two processors. In the geekbench_multicore test, the AMD A10-7700K achieves a score of 1155, edging out the AMD A10-5800B's score of 1128. This 2.4% advantage for the A10-7700K suggests that its newer Steamroller architecture handles multi-threaded workloads slightly better, likely due to the improved transistor design and higher memory bandwidth.

Conversely, in the geekbench_singlecore test, the AMD A10-5800B takes the win with a score of 459, compared to the A10-7700K's 447. This is a 2.6% lead for the A10-5800B. The A10-5800B's advantage here can be attributed to its higher clock speeds: it has a base clock of 3.80 GHz and a boost clock of 4.20 GHz, while the A10-7700K operates at a lower 3.40 GHz base and 3.80 GHz boost. The higher clocks on the older architecture appear to overcome the IPC improvements of the newer one in single-threaded scenarios.

Looking at the broader context, the nearest rivals for each processor provide additional perspective. The A10-7700K's average score of 801 is exactly matched by the Intel Xeon E5530 and the Intel Pentium Silver J5040, both scoring 801. It trails the Intel Core i5-3320M by just 0.2% and the AMD Ryzen 3 2200U by 0.5%. The A10-5800B's average score of 794 puts it ahead of the AMD A6-9400 by 0.1%, but behind the AMD A10-7850K by 0.3% and the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G by 0.3%. It also beats the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 by 0.5%. These deltaPct values show that both processors are clustered tightly with their contemporaries, with no single rival more than half a percent away.

The overall win count is even, with each processor claiming one victory in the two head-to-head tests. This balanced result means that the choice between them should be guided by the specific performance priorities of the intended use case.

The Verdict

Based strictly on the benchmark data, the decision between the AMD A10-7700K and the AMD A10-5800B depends entirely on the workload. For applications that benefit from multi-core performance, the A10-7700K is the superior choice, delivering a 2.4% higher score in the geekbench_multicore test. Its average benchmark score of 801 is also higher than the A10-5800B's 794, and it ranks slightly better at the 22nd percentile of all CPUs compared to the 21st percentile.

However, for single-threaded tasks, the A10-5800B is the better performer, with a 2.6% lead in the geekbench_singlecore test. This advantage comes from its higher clock speeds, with a base clock of 3.80 GHz and a boost clock of 4.20 GHz, both of which are significantly higher than the A10-7700K's 3.40 GHz and 3.80 GHz. The A10-5800B also has a lower transistor count at 1,303 million, suggesting it may draw less power in certain scenarios, though its TDP is actually higher at 100 W compared to the A10-7700K's 95 W.

Users with a motherboard that supports Socket FM2+ and who value the newer architecture, unlocked multiplier, and higher memory bandwidth should choose the A10-7700K. Users who already have a Socket FM2 board or who prioritize single-core performance and higher clock speeds should opt for the A10-5800B. The production status of both is end-of-life, so availability will depend on existing stock. The A10-7700K's unlocked multiplier is a key feature for enthusiasts, while the A10-5800B's locked multiplier makes it a more straightforward drop-in part.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD A10-7700K | AMD A10-5800B |

|---|---|---|

| Base Clock | 3.40 GHz | 3.80 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.80 GHz | 4.20 GHz |

| TDP | 95 W | 100 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket FM2+ | AMD Socket FM2 |

| Architecture | Steamroller | Piledriver |

| Codename | Kaveri | Trinity |

| Process Node | 28 nm | 32 nm |

| Transistors | 2,411 million | 1,303 million |

| Die Size | 245 mm² | 246 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 256 KB | 192 KB |

| L2 Cache | 4 MB | 4 MB (shared) |

| Memory Bandwidth | 34.1 GB/s | 29.9 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 2 |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon R7 | Radeon HD 7660D |

| Unlocked Multiplier | Yes | No |

| Release Date | 2014-01-13 | 2012-10-01 |