AMD A10-7700K vs Intel Core i7-5550U Comparison

The Intel Core i7-5550U and AMD A10-7700K occupy the same performance percentile in the database, both sitting at the 22nd percentile against all recorded CPUs. Their average benchmark scores are nearly identical, with the Intel part scoring 813 and the AMD part scoring 801, a difference of just 1.5%. However, the recorded data shows these two processors achieve that parity through completely different strategies: the Core i7-5550U is a low-power mobile chip with two cores and four threads, while the A10-7700K is a desktop part with four physical cores and a much higher thermal envelope. The benchmark results make clear that raw core count does not translate into a decisive advantage in the tests available, and the comparison hinges on workload type rather than overall performance.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no direct head-to-head benchmark results between these two processors, so the comparison must rely on the separate test suites recorded for each. The Intel Core i7-5550U was tested with Cinebench R15, R20, and R23, while the AMD A10-7700K was tested with Geekbench. This makes a direct apples-to-apples comparison impossible, but the available scores still reveal meaningful performance characteristics.

The Intel part delivers a Cinebench R15 multicore score of 238, a Cinebench R20 multicore score of 992, and a Cinebench R20 single-core score of 139. In the newer Cinebench R23 tests, it scores 2363 in multicore and 333 in single-core. These numbers indicate that the Core i7-5550U scales reasonably well from single-core to multicore workloads, with the R23 multicore result being roughly seven times the single-core figure. The AMD A10-7700K, by contrast, records a Geekbench multicore score of 1155 and a single-core score of 447. The multicore-to-single-core ratio here is about 2.6, which is far lower than the Intel part's scaling. This suggests that the AMD processor's four cores do not scale as efficiently under load as the Intel processor's two cores with Hyper-Threading.

Looking at the nearest rivals in the database provides additional context. The Core i7-5550U's average score of 813 is exactly matched by the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9775, which also scores 813. The Intel Xeon X3440 scores 815, putting it 0.2% ahead of the Core i7-5550U, and the Intel Core i5-L16G7 scores 816, 0.4% ahead. The AMD A10-6800K scores 809, which is 0.5% behind. For the AMD A10-7700K, its average score of 801 is matched by both the Intel Xeon E5530 and the Intel Pentium Silver J5040, both scoring 801. The Intel Core i5-3320M scores 803, 0.2% ahead, and the AMD Ryzen 3 2200U scores 805, 0.5% ahead. These rival comparisons show that both processors sit in a performance band where small percentage differences separate them from their closest competitors, and neither has a dominant position.

The benchmark data shows that the AMD A10-7700K has a higher single-core score in Geekbench (447) than the Core i7-5550U has in Cinebench R20 single-core (139), but these are different tests and cannot be directly compared. Within each processor's own test suite, the Intel part shows better scaling from single-core to multicore workloads, while the AMD part shows more modest gains from additional cores. The average benchmark scores, which are the only directly comparable metric, favor the Intel part by a narrow margin of 813 versus 801.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different architectures and fabrication processes. The Intel Core i7-5550U uses the Broadwell architecture, specifically the Broadwell-U variant, built on a 14 nm process at Intel's foundry. The die contains 1,900 million transistors on a 133 mm² die size. The AMD A10-7700K uses the Steamroller architecture, codenamed Kaveri, built on a 28 nm process at GlobalFoundries. This die is substantially larger at 245 mm² and contains 2,411 million transistors. The transistor count is higher on the AMD part, but the process node is two generations behind in lithography terms, and the die is nearly twice as large.

The core configurations differ significantly. The Intel part has 2 physical cores with 4 threads via Hyper-Threading, while the AMD part has 4 physical cores and 4 threads, with no simultaneous multithreading. The Intel part's cache hierarchy is organized per core: 64 KB of L1 per core and 256 KB of L2 per core, with 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD part has a simpler arrangement with 256 KB of L1 and 4 MB of L2, with no L3 cache at all. The lack of L3 cache on the AMD part is a notable architectural difference, as it means all shared data must reside in L2 or main memory.

The clock speeds also tell a different story. The Intel part has a base clock of 2000 MHz and a boost clock of 3000 MHz, which is a 50% boost under load. The AMD part starts at 3400 MHz base and boosts to 3800 MHz, a modest 12% increase. Despite the AMD part's higher raw clocks, the Intel part's newer architecture and more efficient process allow it to achieve comparable average benchmark scores with far lower power consumption. The thermal design power tells the most dramatic story: the Intel part is rated at 15 watts, while the AMD part is rated at 95 watts, a more than six-fold difference.

Memory support is similar on both parts: both support DDR3 with dual-channel memory buses. The AMD part has a higher memory bandwidth rating at 34.1 GB/s, compared to the Intel part's 29.9 GB/s. Neither part supports ECC memory. The PCIe capabilities differ, with the Intel part offering Gen 2 with 12 lanes from the CPU, while the AMD part offers Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU. This gives the AMD part a potential advantage for expansion and graphics bandwidth, though the Intel part's mobile positioning makes this less relevant.

Integrated graphics also differ. The Intel part includes Intel HD 6000, while the AMD part includes Radeon R7. The database does not record benchmark scores for either integrated GPU, so their relative performance cannot be quantified here. The AMD part has an unlocked multiplier, meaning it can be overclocked, while the Intel part's multiplier is locked. The Intel part was released on February 28, 2015, while the AMD part was released on January 13, 2014, making the AMD part roughly one year older.

Where Each One Wins

The recorded data indicates that the Intel Core i7-5550U and AMD A10-7700K are closely matched in overall average benchmark scores, but each has clear strengths depending on the workload and usage context.

The Intel Core i7-5550U wins in efficiency-driven scenarios. Its 15-watt thermal design power is a fraction of the AMD part's 95-watt rating, making it suitable for thin-and-light mobile devices where heat dissipation and battery life are primary concerns. The database classifies it as a mobile segment processor, and its socket is Intel BGA 1168, which is a ball-grid array designed for soldered installation in laptops. The Cinebench results show strong scaling from single-core to multicore workloads, suggesting that its two-core, four-thread configuration handles threaded workloads efficiently. For users who prioritize portability and low power draw, the data clearly favors the Intel part.

The AMD A10-7700K wins in scenarios that benefit from more physical cores and higher clock speeds. Its base clock of 3400 MHz and boost clock of 3800 MHz are substantially higher than the Intel part's 2000 MHz base and 3000 MHz boost. The four physical cores provide more raw parallel processing capacity, even if the benchmark scores do not show a decisive performance advantage. The AMD part also has a higher memory bandwidth rating at 34.1 GB/s, and it supports PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes, which is more modern and faster than the Intel part's PCIe Gen 2 with 12 lanes. The unlocked multiplier is another advantage, as it permits overclocking, which the Intel part does not allow. For users building a desktop system with expansion needs and overclocking ambitions, the AMD part offers more flexibility.

The Geekbench scores for the AMD part (1155 multicore, 447 single-core) suggest a more balanced performance profile, while the Intel part's Cinebench scores (238 R15 multicore, 992 R20 multicore, 139 R20 single-core, 2363 R23 multicore, 333 R23 single-core) indicate solid performance across different rendering workloads. Neither processor has a dominant win in the recorded tests, and the average benchmark scores are within 1.5% of each other. The choice between them depends more on platform and usage context than on raw performance numbers.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every major specification category. The most striking difference is thermal design power: the Intel part is rated at 15 watts, while the AMD part is rated at 95 watts. This six-fold difference reflects their intended markets, with the Intel part designed for mobile devices and the AMD part for desktop systems.

The core and thread counts differ: the Intel part has 2 cores and 4 threads, while the AMD part has 4 cores and 4 threads. Clock speeds are also different, with the Intel part running at 2000 MHz base and 3000 MHz boost, while the AMD part runs at 3400 MHz base and 3800 MHz boost. The process node differs as well: Intel uses 14 nm, while AMD uses 28 nm. The transistor counts are 1,900 million for Intel and 2,411 million for AMD, and the die sizes are 133 mm² for Intel and 245 mm² for AMD.

The cache configurations are not directly comparable. The Intel part has 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 4 MB shared L3. The AMD part has 256 KB L1 and 4 MB L2, with no L3 cache. Memory bandwidth differs, with Intel at 29.9 GB/s and AMD at 34.1 GB/s. PCIe support differs, with Intel offering Gen 2 and 12 lanes, while AMD offers Gen 3 and 16 lanes. The integrated graphics are different, with Intel HD 6000 on the Intel part and Radeon R7 on the AMD part.

The sockets are different: Intel uses BGA 1168, while AMD uses Socket FM2+. The market segments differ, with Intel classified as mobile and AMD as desktop. The Intel part has a locked multiplier, while the AMD part has an unlocked multiplier. The release dates differ, with Intel launching on February 28, 2015, and AMD on January 13, 2014. The Intel part has a launch MSRP of $426, while the AMD part has no recorded launch MSRP. Both processors support DDR3 memory and dual-channel buses, and neither supports ECC memory. Both are classified as end-of-life products.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The AMD A10-7700K has 4 physical cores, while the Intel Core i7-5550U has 2 physical cores. However, the Intel part supports 4 threads through Hyper-Threading, matching the AMD part's thread count.

Q: What is the thermal design power difference?

A: The Intel Core i7-5550U is rated at 15 watts, while the AMD A10-7700K is rated at 95 watts. This is a six-fold difference in thermal design power.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The AMD A10-7700K has a boost clock of 3800 MHz, which is higher than the Intel Core i7-5550U's boost clock of 3000 MHz.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory type?

A: Yes, both support DDR3 memory with dual-channel buses. The AMD part has a higher rated memory bandwidth at 34.1 GB/s, compared to the Intel part's 29.9 GB/s.

Q: Which processor allows overclocking?

A: The AMD A10-7700K has an unlocked multiplier and can be overclocked. The Intel Core i7-5550U has a locked multiplier and does not support overclocking.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The Intel Core i7-5550U has an average benchmark score of 813, while the AMD A10-7700K has an average score of 801. The difference is 1.5% in favor of the Intel part.

The Verdict

The data presents a close contest between two processors that achieve similar average benchmark scores through different means. The Intel Core i7-5550U scores 813 on average, while the AMD A10-7700K scores 801, a difference of just 1.5%. Both sit at the 22nd percentile against all recorded CPUs, and their nearest rivals are separated by less than 1% in most cases. This means that for raw compute performance, neither processor offers a meaningful advantage over the other in the recorded benchmarks.

The choice between them should be guided by platform requirements and workload characteristics. The Intel Core i7-5550U is the clear pick for mobile applications. Its 15-watt thermal design power, BGA 1168 socket, and mobile market classification make it suitable for laptops and ultra-portable devices. The Cinebench results show efficient scaling from single-core to multicore workloads, indicating that its two-core, four-thread configuration handles threaded applications well despite the lower core count. The Intel part also has a smaller die and uses a more advanced 14 nm process, which contributes to its power efficiency.

The AMD A10-7700K is the better choice for desktop builds where power consumption is less critical and expansion capability matters. Its 95-watt thermal design power reflects its desktop orientation, and its Socket FM2+ platform supports standard desktop motherboards. The four physical cores and higher clock speeds (3400 MHz base, 3800 MHz boost) provide a different performance profile, and the unlocked multiplier allows overclocking. The PCIe Gen 3 support with 16 lanes and higher memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s give it advantages for systems with discrete graphics or multiple expansion cards.

For workloads that are heavily parallel and can use four physical cores, the AMD part may be preferable, although the recorded benchmark scores do not show a decisive win. For workloads that benefit from newer architecture and power efficiency, the Intel part is the stronger option. The recorded data does not include direct head-to-head benchmarks, so the tie-breaker comes down to platform fit and thermal constraints. Users building a desktop system with overclocking in mind should choose the AMD A10-7700K. Users seeking a low-power mobile processor should choose the Intel Core i7-5550U. Both are end-of-life products, and neither holds a clear performance crown in the database.