AMD A10-7700K vs Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9775 Comparison

The Verdict

The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9775 and AMD A10-7700K represent two very different approaches to desktop computing, yet the recorded data places them in a virtual tie. The Intel chip edges ahead with an average benchmark score of 813, while the AMD part scores 801, a gap of roughly 1.5%. Both processors sit at the 22nd percentile among all CPUs in the database, meaning they occupy nearly identical positions in the overall performance hierarchy. Neither part can claim a decisive victory in aggregate scoring.

The QX9775 is the choice for users who prioritize raw multi-threaded compute in legacy applications. Its Cinebench scores, including a multi-core R15 result of 238 and an R20 multi-core score of 992, demonstrate a strong showing for a 2008-era processor. The A10-7700K, by contrast, offers a more modern feature set with integrated Radeon R7 graphics, a smaller 95W TDP, and a faster 3.40 GHz base clock. Users who need a complete platform without a discrete GPU, or who value lower power draw, should lean toward the AMD part.

However, the Intel part carries a launch MSRP of $1499, which reflects its extreme flagship positioning at release. The AMD chip, lacking a recorded launch MSRP, was positioned as a mainstream quad-core. For pure CPU compute, the data shows the QX9775 holding a slight edge in the benchmarks that overlap between the two parts. The A10-7700K counters with a higher base clock, a boost clock of 3.80 GHz, and a substantially more advanced 28 nm process node. The verdict hinges on use case: legacy multi-core workloads favor Intel, while modern platform features and efficiency favor AMD.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide between these two processors is vast, separated by six years of development. The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9775 uses the Core 2 architecture under the Yorkfield codename, built on Intel's 45 nm process node with 820 million transistors. Its die consists of two separate 107 mm² dies, reflecting a multi-chip module design. The AMD A10-7700K employs the Steamroller architecture under the Kaveri codename, fabricated by GlobalFoundries on a 28 nm process with 2,411 million transistors on a single 245 mm² die.

The transistor counts tell a stark story. AMD packs nearly three times as many transistors into roughly 15% more die area, evidence of the density improvements of the newer process node. The Intel chip's cache hierarchy includes 64 KB of L1 per core and 6 MB of L2 per die, with no L3 cache present. The AMD part offers 256 KB of L1 and 4 MB of L2, also with no L3 cache. Despite having less L2, the AMD design integrates a memory controller with dual-channel DDR3 support and a rated memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s, while the Intel chip relies on DDR2 memory whose support depends on the motherboard.

The most significant architectural divergence is integrated graphics. The A10-7700K includes a Radeon R7 GPU, a feature entirely absent from the QX9775. The AMD part also supports PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU, while the Intel chip is limited to PCIe Gen 1. Both processors feature unlocked multipliers, allowing overclocking, but the Intel part's 150W TDP versus the AMD's 95W TDP indicates a much hungrier power envelope for the older chip. ECC memory support is present on the Intel part but absent on the AMD.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

Direct head-to-head benchmark data between the QX9775 and A10-7700K is not recorded in the database. Instead, the comparison must rely on each part's individual benchmark suite and their relationships to common rivals. The Intel chip was tested across multiple Cinebench versions, while the AMD part was tested with Geekbench. This mismatch prevents a direct apples-to-apples comparison on identical workloads.

The QX9775's Cinebench results show a processor that scales reasonably with thread count. Its R15 multi-core score of 238 and R20 multi-core score of 992 indicate a modest per-thread efficiency. The single-core R20 score of 139 and R23 single-core score of 333 reveal that the Core 2 architecture, despite its age, still delivers acceptable single-thread performance for its era. The A10-7700K's Geekbench multi-core score of 1155 and single-core score of 447 show a similar profile, though the AMD part's higher clock speeds (3.40 GHz base, 3.80 GHz boost) help it compete.

When examining nearest rivals, the QX9775 matches the Intel Core i7-5550U exactly at an average score of 813, with a 0% delta. It trails the Intel Xeon X3440 by 0.2% and the Intel Core i5-L16G7 by 0.4%, while leading the AMD A10-6800K by 0.5%. The A10-7700K ties the Intel Xeon E5530 and Intel Pentium Silver J5040 at 801, trails the Intel Core i5-3320M by 0.2%, and sits 0.5% behind the AMD Ryzen 3 2200U. These rival relationships place both parts in a crowded mid-range band where small percentage differences separate a cluster of otherwise disparate processors.

The biggest wins for the Intel chip come in sustained multi-core rendering, where its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 2363 suggests a capable processing engine for its age. The AMD chip's advantage lies in platform integration: the Radeon R7 iGPU eliminates the need for a separate graphics card, and the 34.1 GB/s memory bandwidth provides ample headroom for the integrated graphics to share system memory.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every specification field. The QX9775 has a base clock of 3.20 GHz with no boost clock, while the A10-7700K runs at 3.40 GHz base and boosts to 3.80 GHz. Both have four cores and four threads. The Intel part consumes 150W, the AMD part 95W. The Intel chip uses Socket 771, the AMD chip uses Socket FM2+. The Intel part is built on 45 nm, the AMD part on 28 nm.

Cache configurations diverge significantly. The QX9775 offers 64 KB of L1 per core and 6 MB of L2 per die, while the A10-7700K provides 256 KB of L1 and 4 MB of L2. The AMD part supports dual-channel DDR3 with a memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s, whereas the Intel part supports DDR2 with motherboard-dependent configurations. ECC memory is supported on Intel but not AMD. PCIe generation differs: Gen 1 on Intel, Gen 3 with 16 CPU lanes on AMD. Integrated graphics exist only on the AMD part, featuring Radeon R7.

The release dates underscore the generational gap. The QX9775 launched on March 23, 2008, while the A10-7700K arrived on January 13, 2014. Transistor counts reflect the process evolution: 820 million for Intel versus 2,411 million for AMD. The Intel part's die is composed of two 107 mm² dies, while AMD uses a single 245 mm² die. Both parts are end-of-life and have unlocked multipliers. The Intel part carries a launch MSRP of $1499; the AMD part has no recorded launch MSRP.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9775 scores 813 on average, while the AMD A10-7700K scores 801, giving Intel a roughly 1.5% advantage.

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

A: Yes, both the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9775 and the AMD A10-7700K feature 4 cores and 4 threads.

Q: Which CPU supports integrated graphics?

A: Only the AMD A10-7700K includes integrated graphics, featuring a Radeon R7 GPU. The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9775 has no integrated graphics.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference between the two?

A: The AMD A10-7700K has a rated memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s with dual-channel DDR3 support. The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9775 supports DDR2 with bandwidth dependent on the motherboard, and no specific bandwidth figure is recorded.

Q: How do the two compare to their nearest rivals?

A: The Intel chip ties the Core i7-5550U at 813, trails the Xeon X3440 by 0.2%, and leads the A10-6800K by 0.5%. The AMD chip ties the Xeon E5530 and Pentium Silver J5040 at 801, trails the Core i5-3320M by 0.2%, and sits 0.5% behind the Ryzen 3 2200U.

Q: Which processor has the lower power consumption?

A: The AMD A10-7700K has a TDP of 95W, while the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9775 has a TDP of 150W, making the AMD part significantly more power-efficient.