AMD A10-7700K vs Intel Core i5-3320M Comparison

The Intel Core i5-3320M and AMD A10-7700K are separated by less than half a percent in average benchmark score, yet they achieve that parity through radically different designs. The data shows a near-perfect split: each processor wins exactly one head-to-head test, and the average scores of 803 for the Intel and 801 for the AMD place them in the 22nd percentile of all CPUs, making them statistical twins in overall performance despite their architectural chasms.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The only benchmark where both processors share a common test is Geekbench, and the results there are striking. In Geekbench multicore, the AMD A10-7700K edges out the Intel Core i5-3320M with a score of 1155 against 1146, a margin of just 0.8%. That is a razor-thin victory — a difference of nine points out of over a thousand. The AMD’s four physical cores at a 3.40 GHz base clock and 3.80 GHz boost clock provide just enough raw throughput to overcome the Intel’s two-core, four-thread configuration, which runs at a 2.60 GHz base and 3.30 GHz boost. The multicore result aligns with the average benchmark scores, where the AMD sits at 801 and the Intel at 803, a 0.2% gap that favors Intel.

The single-core Geekbench test tells a completely different story, and it is here that the Intel Core i5-3320M delivers its decisive blow. The Intel scores 589, while the AMD manages only 447, giving Intel a 31.8% lead. That is a massive advantage in single-threaded performance, and it reflects the Ivy Bridge architecture’s superior per-core efficiency compared to Steamroller. The Intel’s boost clock of 3.30 GHz is lower than the AMD’s 3.80 GHz, yet the Intel still wins by nearly a third — a clear indication that clock speed alone does not determine single-thread capability. The Intel’s 22 nm process node versus AMD’s 28 nm node likely contributes to this efficiency gap, as does the Intel’s smaller 118 mm² die size compared to the AMD’s 245 mm².

Looking at the nearest rivals for each processor reinforces this picture. The Intel Core i5-3320M’s closest competitor, the AMD A10-7700K, has an average score of 801, just 0.2% below the Intel’s 803. The Intel also sits within 0.3% of the AMD Xeon E5530 and Intel Pentium Silver J5040, both at 801, and within 0.2% of the AMD Ryzen 3 2200U at 805. The AMD A10-7700K’s rival list shows a similar cluster: the Xeon E5530 and Pentium Silver J5040 match it exactly at 801, the Intel Core i5-3320M sits 0.2% higher at 803, and the Ryzen 3 2200U leads by 0.5% at 805. These deltas are all within the noise of benchmark variance, indicating that any of these five processors could win on a given day.

Where Each One Wins

The use-case split is stark and easy to characterize. The AMD A10-7700K wins in multicore workloads, as evidenced by its Geekbench multicore score of 1155 versus the Intel’s 1146. This advantage, while small, suggests that applications which can utilize all four cores simultaneously — such as video encoding, 3D rendering, or scientific computation — will see a slight benefit from the AMD. The AMD’s 4 MB L2 cache, compared to the Intel’s 256 KB per core, also helps in scenarios where data needs to be shared across cores, though the Intel’s 3 MB shared L3 cache partially compensates.

The Intel Core i5-3320M dominates single-core workloads, and this is where its 31.8% lead in Geekbench single-core becomes decisive. Everyday tasks like web browsing, office productivity, and light photo editing are largely single-threaded, and the Intel’s 589 score versus the AMD’s 447 means these tasks will feel noticeably snappier on the Intel. The Intel’s 64 KB L1 cache per core is also larger than the AMD’s 256 KB total L1, which may contribute to lower latency for frequently accessed data. Furthermore, the Intel’s 35 W TDP versus the AMD’s 95 W TDP means it generates far less heat, making it suitable for thin-and-light laptops, while the AMD’s higher power draw is better suited for desktop systems with adequate cooling.

The integrated graphics also favor different use cases. The Intel HD 4000 is a capable integrated solution for basic display output and video playback, but the AMD Radeon R7 is generally considered a more powerful iGPU, and the AMD’s 34.1 GB/s memory bandwidth supports this. For gaming at low settings or GPU-accelerated workloads, the AMD likely has an edge, though the data does not include direct GPU benchmarks to confirm this. The AMD’s unlocked multiplier also appeals to enthusiasts who want to overclock, while the Intel’s locked multiplier means users are stuck with stock clocks.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear split based on workload and platform. The AMD A10-7700K is the pick for users who prioritize multithreaded performance and plan to run demanding applications that scale across four cores. Its 0.8% multicore win over the Intel, combined with its higher base and boost clocks, makes it a reasonable choice for a budget desktop build where raw core count matters. The unlocked multiplier adds flexibility for overclocking, and the Radeon R7 integrated graphics provide a stronger foundation for casual gaming without a discrete GPU.

The Intel Core i5-3320M is the pick for users who value single-threaded responsiveness and power efficiency. Its 31.8% single-core lead over the AMD is enormous and will be felt in everyday use, from launching applications to navigating complex spreadsheets. The 35 W TDP makes it ideal for mobile platforms, where battery life and thermal management are critical. The Intel’s 22 nm process node also suggests better energy efficiency per operation, though the data does not quantify this directly.

For a desktop user with a Socket FM2+ motherboard, the AMD A10-7700K is the logical choice. For a mobile user with an Intel BGA 1023 socket, the Intel Core i5-3320M is the only option. In a hypothetical head-to-head where both are available, the decision hinges on whether the workload is multithreaded or single-threaded. The data shows a 1-1 win split, so the tiebreaker is the specific application mix. If the user runs mostly single-threaded software, the Intel wins decisively; if the user runs heavily multithreaded software, the AMD takes a narrow victory.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i5-3320M has an average benchmark score of 803, while the AMD A10-7700K scores 801, giving Intel a 0.2% advantage.

Q: How large is the single-core performance gap between the two?

A: In Geekbench single-core, the Intel Core i5-3320M scores 589 versus the AMD A10-7700K’s 447, a 31.8% lead for Intel.

Q: Does the AMD A10-7700K win any benchmark against the Intel?

A: Yes, the AMD A10-7700K wins Geekbench multicore with a score of 1155 against the Intel’s 1146, a margin of 0.8%.

Q: What is the core and thread configuration for each processor?

A: The Intel Core i5-3320M has 2 cores and 4 threads, while the AMD A10-7700K has 4 cores and 4 threads.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The AMD A10-7700K has a boost clock of 3.80 GHz, whereas the Intel Core i5-3320M boosts to 3.30 GHz.

Q: Are both processors in the same performance percentile?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core i5-3320M and the AMD A10-7700K are in the 22nd percentile of all CPUs.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design philosophies. The Intel Core i5-3320M uses the Ivy Bridge architecture, built on a 22 nm process node by Intel, with a die size of 118 mm². It features 2 cores and 4 threads, enabling simultaneous multithreading. The cache hierarchy is per-core for L1 and L2, with 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core, plus a shared 3 MB L3 cache. The integrated graphics are Intel HD 4000.

The AMD A10-7700K uses the Steamroller architecture, codenamed Kaveri, built on a 28 nm process node by GlobalFoundries. It has 4 cores and 4 threads, with no simultaneous multithreading. The cache is 256 KB of L1 and 4 MB of L2, with no L3 cache at all. The integrated graphics are Radeon R7. The AMD has 2,411 million transistors on a 245 mm² die, while the Intel’s transistor count is not specified in the data. The AMD supports DDR3 memory with a dual-channel bus and 34.1 GB/s bandwidth, while the Intel’s memory support is not listed. The AMD also features PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the Intel’s PCIe configuration is not specified.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ on nearly every specification field. The Intel Core i5-3320M has 2 cores and 4 threads, while the AMD A10-7700K has 4 cores and 4 threads. The Intel’s base clock is 2.60 GHz and boost clock is 3.30 GHz, while the AMD runs at 3.40 GHz base and 3.80 GHz boost. The TDP is a major differentiator: 35 W for the Intel versus 95 W for the AMD. The Intel uses socket Intel BGA 1023, while the AMD uses AMD Socket FM2+. The Intel is built on a 22 nm node by Intel, while the AMD uses a 28 nm node by GlobalFoundries. The die sizes are 118 mm² for the Intel and 245 mm² for the AMD. The cache structures differ completely: the Intel has 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 3 MB shared L3; the AMD has 256 KB total L1 and 4 MB L2 with no L3. The integrated graphics are Intel HD 4000 versus AMD Radeon R7. The market segments are Mobile for the Intel and Desktop for the AMD. The Intel was released on 2012-05-31, while the AMD was released on 2014-01-13. The AMD has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel’s is locked. The AMD’s production status is end-of-life, while the Intel’s is not specified. The AMD supports DDR3 memory with dual-channel and 34.1 GB/s bandwidth; the Intel’s memory support is not listed. The AMD has PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the Intel’s PCIe is not specified. Neither processor supports ECC memory, and neither has a launch MSRP listed in the data.