AMD A10-6800K vs Intel Core i5-3360M Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded head-to-head data covers two Geekbench tests, and the results split exactly one win each. The AMD A10-6800K takes the multi-core test with a score of 1140 against the Intel Core i5-3360M's 1110, a margin of 2.6%. The Intel part counters in the single-core test, posting 518 versus 478 for the AMD chip, which is an 8.4% advantage. Despite having twice the physical core count, the AMD processor's lead in multi-core is modest, while Intel's single-core edge is more pronounced in percentage terms.

Looking at the broader benchmark picture, the Intel Core i5-3360M has a higher average benchmark score of 835 compared to 809 for the AMD A10-6800K. However, both processors sit at the 22nd percentile of all CPUs in the database, meaning they occupy a similar overall performance tier. The Intel chip's nearest rivals include the Intel Xeon X3450 (average score 837, 0.2% ahead), the Intel Core i5-5200U (838, 0.3% ahead), and the Intel Core i5-3380M (838, 0.4% ahead). The AMD A10-6800K's closest comparables are the Intel Core i7-870S (809, exactly tied), the AMD Athlon X4 850 (806, 0.4% behind), and the Intel Xeon X5482 (805, 0.4% behind). These proximity values indicate that neither chip breaks away from its immediate performance cluster; the differences are within a fraction of a percent.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins in Geekbench single-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i5-3360M wins decisively, scoring 518 versus 478 for the AMD A10-6800K, an 8.4% advantage.

Q: How much faster is the AMD A10-6800K in multi-core Geekbench?

A: The AMD part scores 1140 against Intel's 1110, a 2.6% lead. This is a relatively narrow margin given that the AMD chip has 4 physical cores versus 2 for the Intel part.

Q: What is the average benchmark score difference between the two?

A: The Intel Core i5-3360M averages 835 across all recorded benchmarks, while the AMD A10-6800K averages 809. That puts Intel roughly 3.2% ahead on the aggregate metric.

Q: Do both processors rank in the same overall percentile?

A: Yes, both are recorded at the 22nd percentile among all CPUs in the database, indicating they fall into an equivalent performance bracket despite their architectural differences.

Q: Which chip has a higher boost clock?

A: The AMD A10-6800K boosts to 4.40 GHz, compared to 3.50 GHz for the Intel Core i5-3360M. The AMD chip also has a higher base clock at 4.10 GHz versus 2.80 GHz.

Q: Is there any benchmark where the two are tied?

A: No, the head-to-head data shows no ties. Each processor wins exactly one of the two recorded Geekbench tests.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core i5-3360M is built on the Ivy Bridge architecture using a 22 nm process node from Intel's own foundry, with a die size of 118 mm². It implements a 2-core, 4-thread configuration, which means hyper-threading is present. The cache hierarchy is per-core for L1 and L2 (64 KB and 256 KB respectively), with a shared 3 MB L3 cache. The integrated graphics are Intel HD 4000, and the socket is Intel BGA 1023, indicating a mobile-oriented design.

The AMD A10-6800K uses the Piledriver architecture, specifically the Richland codename, fabricated by GlobalFoundries on a 32 nm process. The die is significantly larger at 246 mm², and the transistor count is recorded at 1,303 million. It has 4 physical cores and 4 threads, so no simultaneous multi-threading is implemented. The cache layout is different: L1 is 192 KB total, L2 is 4 MB total, and there is no L3 cache. The integrated graphics are Radeon HD 8670D, and the socket is AMD Socket FM2.

The process node difference is notable: 22 nm versus 32 nm. This gives the Intel part a density and power advantage that partially compensates for having half the core count. The AMD chip compensates with much higher clock speeds (4.10 GHz base versus 2.80 GHz) and a larger L2 cache pool. The absence of L3 cache on the AMD side is a structural difference, while the Intel part relies on a shared 3 MB L3. The Intel chip's memory bus is dual-channel with no specific bandwidth figure recorded, whereas the AMD part lists dual-channel DDR3 support with a measured bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. The AMD chip also supports PCIe Gen 2, while the Intel part has no PCIe information in the database.

Specification Differences

The most immediate difference is core and thread counts: the Intel Core i5-3360M has 2 cores and 4 threads, while the AMD A10-6800K has 4 cores and 4 threads. Clock speeds also diverge sharply, with the AMD part running a 4.10 GHz base and 4.40 GHz boost versus Intel's 2.80 GHz base and 3.50 GHz boost. Thermal design power is a major differentiator: 35 W for the Intel chip versus 100 W for the AMD chip. This reflects the mobile versus desktop market segmentation, with the Intel part labeled Mobile and the AMD part labeled Desktop.

The sockets are incompatible: Intel BGA 1023 for the i5-3360M and AMD Socket FM2 for the A10-6800K. The process node favors Intel at 22 nm versus 32 nm for AMD. Cache configurations differ: Intel uses per-core L1 (64 KB) and L2 (256 KB) with a shared 3 MB L3, while AMD has a total L1 of 192 KB and a total L2 of 4 MB with no L3. The integrated graphics are different models: Intel HD 4000 versus Radeon HD 8670D. The AMD part has an unlocked multiplier, which the Intel part does not. Memory support is listed as null for Intel, while AMD specifies DDR3 with a dual-channel bus and 34.1 GB/s bandwidth. The AMD chip also has a recorded PCIe Gen 2 interface, absent for Intel. Production status differs: the AMD part is end-of-life, while the Intel part has no recorded status. Release dates are close, with Intel launching on 2012-05-31 and AMD on 2013-05-31. The AMD part has a launch MSRP of $142, which can be stated once as the launch MSRP; the Intel part has no recorded launch MSRP. The part numbers also differ, with Intel using SR0MW and AMD using AD680KWOHLBOXAD680KWOA44HL.

The Verdict

The data points to a split decision based on workload priorities. For single-threaded tasks, the Intel Core i5-3360M is the clear choice, delivering an 8.4% higher Geekbench single-core score (518 versus 478). This advantage is substantial and likely reflects the newer 22 nm process and higher per-core efficiency of the Ivy Bridge design. The Intel part also holds an edge in average benchmark score (835 versus 809), suggesting better overall consistency across the recorded tests.

For multi-threaded workloads, the AMD A10-6800K takes the lead in the recorded Geekbench multi-core test, scoring 1140 versus 1110, a 2.6% margin. However, this win is narrow when considering the AMD chip has double the physical cores and significantly higher clock speeds (4.10 GHz base versus 2.80 GHz). The AMD part's higher TDP (100 W versus 35 W) and end-of-life production status are also recorded facts that may factor into a selection.

The 22nd percentile ranking for both chips indicates they perform in the same overall tier, so neither offers a class-leading position. The Intel part is better suited for mobile or low-power environments given its 35 W TDP and BGA socket. The AMD part, with its unlocked multiplier and desktop socket, targets users who prioritize raw multi-core throughput and overclocking headroom. The data does not support a universal winner; the choice hinges on whether single-core efficiency or multi-core throughput matters more, and whether the power envelope is a constraint.