AMD A10-7700K vs AMD Athlon X4 850 Comparison

The AMD Athlon X4 850 and AMD A10-7700K are closely matched Steamroller-based desktop processors sharing the same socket, process node, and core configuration. The data shows the Athlon X4 850 edges ahead in average benchmark score (806 vs. 801) and holds a slight advantage in the Cinebench R15 multicore test (235 vs. the A10-7700K's lack of a comparable score in that specific test). The A10-7700K counters with a higher base clock (3.40 GHz vs. 3.20 GHz), a lower boost clock (3.80 GHz vs. 3.90 GHz), and the inclusion of integrated Radeon R7 graphics. For buyers prioritizing raw CPU compute in multi-threaded workloads, the Athlon X4 850 is the better pick based on its higher average score and Cinebench performance. For those who need a functional integrated GPU without a discrete graphics card, the A10-7700K is the logical choice, though it consumes significantly more power (95W TDP vs. 65W).

The Verdict

The data indicates that the AMD Athlon X4 850 is the superior choice for pure computational tasks. Its average benchmark score of 806 surpasses the A10-7700K's 801, and it achieves a higher Cinebench R15 multicore result of 235, while the A10-7700K has no recorded score for that test in the provided data. The Athlon's advantage is modest—roughly 0.6% in average score—but it also operates at a substantially lower TDP of 65W compared to the A10-7700K's 95W, making it more efficient for CPU-only workloads.

The AMD A10-7700K wins on integrated graphics. It includes Radeon R7 graphics, which the Athlon X4 850 lacks entirely. This makes the A10-7700K the only viable option for a system without a dedicated GPU. However, its benchmark data shows a Geekbench multicore score of 1155 and a single-core score of 447, which cannot be directly compared to the Athlon's Cinebench scores due to different test suites. Given the lack of head-to-head benchmark data, the verdict rests on the average scores and feature sets. For a CPU-only build with an existing discrete GPU, the Athlon X4 850's higher average score and lower power draw make it the clear winner. For an all-in-one APU solution, the A10-7700K's integrated graphics are decisive, despite its higher power consumption.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on the same 28nm process node at GlobalFoundries, with identical transistor counts of 2,411 million and die sizes of 245 mm². They share the Steamroller architecture, but come from different codenames: the Athlon X4 850 is from "Godaveri," while the A10-7700K is from "Kaveri." Both have 4 cores and 4 threads with no simultaneous multithreading. The cache configurations are identical: 256 KB of L1 cache and 4 MB of L2 cache, with no L3 cache present on either chip.

The key architectural difference lies in the integrated graphics. The A10-7700K features Radeon R7 graphics, while the Athlon X4 850 has no integrated graphics unit at all. This reflects their market positioning: the A10-7700K is an APU designed to serve as a complete processing solution, whereas the Athlon X4 850 is a CPU-only part intended for use with a discrete graphics card. Both support dual-channel DDR3 memory with a memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s, and neither supports ECC memory. Both use AMD Socket FM2+ and provide PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The multiplier is unlocked on both chips, allowing for overclocking.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

Direct head-to-head benchmark results are not available in the data, so comparisons must rely on the separate benchmark suites and average scores. The Athlon X4 850 has a comprehensive Cinebench profile: it scores 235 in Cinebench R15 multicore, 983 in Cinebench R20 multicore, 138 in Cinebench R20 single-core, 2342 in Cinebench R23 multicore, and 330 in Cinebench R23 single-core. The A10-7700K's benchmark data is limited to Geekbench tests, with a multicore score of 1155 and a single-core score of 447.

The average benchmark scores provide the most direct comparison. The Athlon X4 850 scores 806, while the A10-7700K scores 801. This gives the Athlon a 0.6% advantage. The nearest rivals for the Athlon X4 850 include the Intel Xeon X5482 and AMD Ryzen 3 2200U, both at 805 (0.1% delta), and the Intel Core i7-870S at 809 (-0.3% delta). The A10-7700K's nearest rivals are the Intel Xeon E5530 and Intel Pentium Silver J5040, both at 801 (0% delta), and the Intel Core i5-3320M at 803 (-0.2% delta). Both chips sit at the 22nd percentile of all CPUs, indicating similar overall positioning.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Athlon X4 850 has an average benchmark score of 806, which is 0.6% higher than the AMD A10-7700K's score of 801.

Q: Do both processors have the same number of cores and threads?

A: Yes, both the Athlon X4 850 and the A10-7700K have 4 cores and 4 threads.

Q: Which processor includes integrated graphics?

A: The AMD A10-7700K includes Radeon R7 integrated graphics. The AMD Athlon X4 850 has no integrated graphics unit.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The Athlon X4 850 has a TDP of 65W, while the A10-7700K has a TDP of 95W. The Athlon consumes significantly less power.

Q: Do both processors use the same socket and memory type?

A: Yes, both use AMD Socket FM2+ and support dual-channel DDR3 memory with a bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Athlon X4 850 has a higher boost clock of 3.90 GHz, compared to the A10-7700K's 3.80 GHz. However, the A10-7700K has a higher base clock of 3.40 GHz versus 3.20 GHz.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Athlon X4 850 wins in multi-threaded CPU workloads. Its Cinebench R15 multicore score of 235 demonstrates strong rendering performance, and its average benchmark score of 806 outpaces the A10-7700K's 801. The lower TDP of 65W also makes it the more efficient choice for sustained CPU-intensive tasks like video rendering or software compilation. Its higher boost clock of 3.90 GHz provides an edge in lightly-threaded tasks that scale with frequency, as evidenced by its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 330.

The AMD A10-7700K wins in systems that require a complete processing package without a discrete GPU. Its integrated Radeon R7 graphics allow for basic display output and light graphical workloads, which the Athlon X4 850 cannot provide at all. The higher base clock of 3.40 GHz offers a slight advantage in consistently threaded workloads that do not benefit from boost behavior. Its Geekbench multicore score of 1155 and single-core score of 447 represent its performance in that specific test suite, though direct comparison with the Athlon's Cinebench scores is not possible from the available data.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Athlon X4 850 | AMD A10-7700K |

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

| Base Clock | 3.20 GHz | 3.40 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.90 GHz | 3.80 GHz |

| TDP | 65W | 95W |

| Codename | Godaveri | Kaveri |

| Integrated Graphics | None | Radeon R7 |

| Release Date | Not specified | 2014-01-13 |

| Part Number | AD835XACI43KA | AD770KXBI44JAAD770KXBI44JABOX |

| Avg Benchmark Score | 806 | 801 |

| Cinebench R15 Multicore | 235 | Not available |

| Geekbench Multicore | Not available | 1155 |

| Geekbench Single-core | Not available | 447 |

The two processors share identical specifications for cores (4), threads (4), process node (28 nm), foundry (GlobalFoundries), transistors (2,411 million), die size (245 mm²), L1 cache (256 KB), L2 cache (4 MB), L3 cache (none), memory support (DDR3), memory bus (Dual-channel), memory bandwidth (34.1 GB/s), ECC support (false), PCIe (Gen 3, 16 Lanes CPU only), socket (AMD Socket FM2+), market segment (Desktop), production status (End-of-life), multiplier unlocked (true), and percentile (22nd). The key differentiators are clock speeds, TDP, integrated graphics, codename, and the specific benchmark results recorded.