CPU Comparison

The AMD A10-6800K and Intel Xeon X5482 represent two very different approaches to computing, separated by roughly six years of design philosophy. The A10-6800K, a 2013 desktop part from AMD, leans on high clock speeds and integrated graphics, while the Xeon X5482, a 2007 server/workstation chip from Intel, focuses on dual-die complexity and platform reliability. Benchmark data places them in a statistical dead heat, with the A10-6800K averaging 809 points and the Xeon X5482 averaging 805 points, a mere 0.4% difference that suggests their overall performance profiles are far more similar than their architectures would imply.

FAQ

Q: How do the overall benchmark scores of the AMD A10-6800K and Intel Xeon X5482 compare?

A: The average benchmark scores are nearly identical. The AMD A10-6800K scores 809, while the Intel Xeon X5482 scores 805. The delta between them is just 0.4%, with the A10-6800K holding a negligible lead.

Q: Which processor has a higher base clock speed?

A: The AMD A10-6800K has a significantly higher base clock of 4.10 GHz. The Intel Xeon X5482 runs at a base clock of 3.20 GHz and does not have a boost clock, whereas the AMD part can boost up to 4.40 GHz.

Q: What are the power consumption differences between these two CPUs?

A: The Intel Xeon X5482 has a much higher thermal design power (TDP) of 150 watts. The AMD A10-6800K is rated for a TDP of 100 watts, making it the more power-efficient option on paper.

Q: Do these processors support integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the AMD A10-6800K includes integrated Radeon HD 8670D graphics. The Intel Xeon X5482, on the other hand, has no integrated graphics at all, which is typical for its server/workstation market segment.

Q: Which CPU supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Xeon X5482 supports ECC memory, a feature crucial for error correction in server environments. The AMD A10-6800K does not support ECC memory.

Q: How do these processors rank against all other CPUs?

A: Both processors sit at the 22nd percentile when compared to all CPUs in the database. This indicates that despite their age, they perform at a similar level to each other and a significant portion of modern processors.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide between these two chips is stark. The AMD A10-6800K is built on the Piledriver architecture, using the Richland codename, and is manufactured on a 32 nm process at GlobalFoundries. It packs 1,303 million transistors onto a single 246 mm² die. In contrast, the Intel Xeon X5482 is based on the Core 2 architecture with the Harpertown codename, built on a more mature 45 nm process at Intel. Its transistor count is lower at 820 million, but it uses a dual-die design, with each die measuring 107 mm², for a combined die area of 214 mm².

Cache hierarchies also diverge. The AMD A10-6800K has a 192 KB L1 cache and a unified 4 MB L2 cache. The Intel Xeon X5482 has a smaller 64 KB L1 cache per core, but a larger 6 MB L2 cache per die, effectively giving it 12 MB of total L2 cache across its two dies. Neither processor has an L3 cache. The AMD part features an unlocked multiplier, while the Xeon's multiplier is locked, reflecting its intended use in fixed server configurations.

Memory support is another major differentiator. The A10-6800K supports dual-channel DDR3 with a theoretical memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s, while the Xeon X5482's memory support is listed as DDR2 and DDR3, depending on the motherboard. The Xeon also supports ECC memory, whereas the A10 does not. Both use PCIe Gen 2, but the AMD part is a desktop part with integrated Radeon HD 8670D graphics, while the Xeon is a server/workstation part with no integrated graphics.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

Direct head-to-head benchmark comparisons between the AMD A10-6800K and Intel Xeon X5482 are not available in the data, as the headToHeadBenchmarks field is empty. However, the aggregate benchmark data and nearest rival comparisons provide a clear picture of their relative standing. The A10-6800K's average score of 809 places it exactly level with the Intel Core i7-870S, which also scores 809, showing a 0% delta. The Xeon X5482's average score of 805 places it level with the AMD Ryzen 3 2200U, which scores 805, also a 0% delta.

The most telling comparison comes from the rival lists. The AMD A10-6800K is listed as being 0.4% ahead of the Intel Xeon X5482, with scores of 809 and 805 respectively. This puts the two chips within a hair's breadth of each other in overall performance. The A10-6800K also edges out the AMD Athlon X4 850 by 0.4%, while the Xeon X5482 trails the same Athlon X4 850 by 0.1%. In single-core performance, the A10-6800K scores 478 on Geekbench, while the Xeon X5482 has a Cinebench R20 single-core score of 138 and a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 330.

For multi-core workloads, the data shows the Xeon X5482 has more extensive testing. It scores 235 in Cinebench R15 multi-core, 983 in Cinebench R20 multi-core, and 2341 in Cinebench R23 multi-core. The A10-6800K only has a Geekbench multi-core score of 1140. While these tests are not directly comparable, the Xeon's multi-core scores suggest it holds its own in rendering tasks, especially given its dual-die design and higher TDP.

Specification Differences

The core specifications reveal a clear split between the two processors. The AMD A10-6800K has a base clock of 4.10 GHz and a boost clock of 4.40 GHz, while the Intel Xeon X5482 has a base clock of 3.20 GHz and no boost clock. The A10-6800K has a TDP of 100 watts, compared to the Xeon's 150 watts. The AMD part uses the AMD Socket FM2, while the Intel part uses the Intel Socket 771.

The production processes differ significantly: the A10-6800K is on a 32 nm node with 1,303 million transistors and a 246 mm² die size, while the Xeon X5482 is on a 45 nm node with 820 million transistors and a dual-die design of 2x 107 mm². Cache sizes also differ, with the A10-6800K having 192 KB L1 and 4 MB L2, and the Xeon X5482 having 64 KB L1 per core and 6 MB L2 per die.

The A10-6800K supports dual-channel DDR3 memory with a bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s and no ECC support, while the Xeon X5482 supports DDR2 and DDR3 depending on the motherboard, with ECC support enabled. The A10-6800K has integrated Radeon HD 8670D graphics, while the Xeon X5482 has none. The A10-6800K has an unlocked multiplier, while the Xeon's is locked. The launch MSRP for the AMD part was $142, while the Intel part launched at $1279. The release dates also differ, with the A10-6800K launching in 2013 and the Xeon X5482 in 2007.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD A10-6800K wins in scenarios that favor high clock speeds and integrated graphics. Its 4.40 GHz boost clock gives it an edge in single-threaded tasks that cannot leverage multiple cores, as evidenced by its Geekbench single-core score of 478. The presence of the Radeon HD 8670D integrated graphics means it can handle basic display output and light graphics workloads without a dedicated GPU, making it suitable for compact or budget desktop systems. Its lower 100-watt TDP also makes it easier to cool and more power-efficient for everyday use.

The Intel Xeon X5482 wins in environments that prioritize stability and error correction. Its support for ECC memory is a significant advantage for server and workstation applications where data integrity is paramount. The dual-die design, with 6 MB of L2 cache per die, provides a large total cache pool of 12 MB, which can be beneficial for certain multi-threaded workloads that fit within the cache. Its extensive benchmark results in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 show consistent multi-core performance, with a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 2341, indicating it remains capable in rendering and content creation tasks.

The Xeon also benefits from its server-grade pedigree, which often implies better validation and reliability in 24/7 operation. While the A10-6800K has a higher average benchmark score, the Xeon's specialized features make it the winner in server contexts, whereas the A10-6800K is the clear winner for general desktop use where its integrated graphics and higher clock speeds provide a more complete package.

The Verdict

The choice between the AMD A10-6800K and Intel Xeon X5482 comes down to platform needs rather than raw performance, as their average scores are nearly identical. The data shows the A10-6800K has a slight edge in average benchmark score at 809 versus 805, but this is within the margin of error. The A10-6800K is the better pick for a desktop user who needs a single-chip solution with integrated graphics, high clock speeds up to 4.40 GHz, and a lower 100-watt TDP. Its unlocked multiplier also appeals to enthusiasts looking to overclock, and its 34.1 GB/s memory bandwidth supports dual-channel DDR3.

The Intel Xeon X5482 is the better pick for a server or workstation environment where ECC memory support is non-negotiable and where the 150-watt TDP is acceptable in exchange for the reliability of a dual-die design. Its 12 MB of total L2 cache and consistent multi-core performance in Cinebench tests suggest it can handle demanding workloads, but the lack of integrated graphics and locked multiplier make it less flexible for general use. Given that the Xeon launched at a much higher MSRP of $1279 compared to the A10-6800K's $142, the AMD part offers a more accessible entry point, but the Xeon's server features justify its existence in its intended market. Ultimately, the benchmark data indicates that for most users, the A10-6800K is the more practical choice, while the Xeon X5482 is for those who specifically need ECC and server-grade stability.