AMD A10-7700K vs Intel Core i7-870S Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data reveals a close contest between the Intel Core i7-870S and the AMD A10-7700K, with each processor taking decisive victories in different workloads. The Intel part, a Lynnfield-based quad-core from 2010, dominates in multi-threaded rendering tests. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the i7-870S scores 236 points, while the A10-7700K does not appear in that specific benchmark within the provided data. The gap widens in Cinebench R20 and R23 multicore tests, where the i7-870S posts scores of 987 and 2350, respectively. These numbers place the Intel chip firmly ahead in any scenario that scales with multiple threads, a direct result of its 8 threads versus the AMD's 4.

However, the AMD A10-7700K, a Kaveri part from 2014, fights back in single-core and system-level tests. The A10-7700K achieves a Geekbench multicore score of 1155 and a single-core score of 447. The Intel i7-870S has no Geekbench scores listed in the data, so a direct comparison in that suite is impossible. The AMD's advantage in these tests suggests that for applications that rely on fewer, faster cores or on overall system responsiveness, the A10-7700K holds its own. The A10-7700K also features a higher base clock of 3.40 GHz and boost clock of 3.80 GHz, compared to the i7-870S's 2.67 GHz base and 3.60 GHz boost, which likely contributes to its strong single-threaded showing.

Looking at the average benchmark scores, the two CPUs are nearly indistinguishable. The i7-870S has an average benchmark score of 809, while the A10-7700K sits at 801. This 8-point difference is less than one percent. The nearest rivals for the i7-870S include the AMD A10-6800K with an identical average score of 809 (0% delta) and the Intel Xeon X5482 at 805 (0.4% delta). The A10-7700K's closest competitors are the Intel Xeon E5530 and Intel Pentium Silver J5040, both with an average score of 801 (0% delta). The data shows that in terms of pure aggregate compute performance, these two CPUs are in the same performance class, despite their architectural differences. The i7-870S sits in the 22nd percentile of all CPUs, and the A10-7700K also sits in the 22nd percentile, reinforcing their similar standing.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two processors is vast, reflecting their different release periods and design philosophies. The Intel Core i7-870S is built on the Nehalem architecture with the Lynnfield codename, using a 45 nm process node fabricated by Intel. It packs 774 million transistors onto a 296 mm² die. In contrast, the AMD A10-7700K uses the Steamroller architecture with the Kaveri codename, built on a much more advanced 28 nm process node by GlobalFoundries. This allows AMD to pack 2,411 million transistors onto a smaller 245 mm² die. The transistor count difference is stark, with the AMD part featuring over three times the transistors of the Intel part.

The core and cache configurations also differ significantly. The i7-870S has 4 cores and 8 threads, a hallmark of Intel's Hyper-Threading technology in that era. Its cache hierarchy includes 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and a shared 8 MB L3 cache. The A10-7700K also has 4 cores but only 4 threads, lacking simultaneous multithreading. Its cache is organized differently, with a total of 256 KB of L1 and 4 MB of L2, and notably no L3 cache at all. This lack of an L3 cache is a significant architectural disadvantage for the AMD part in certain workloads, though the larger process node and higher clock speeds help mitigate the impact.

Another key difference lies in integrated graphics and platform features. The AMD A10-7700K includes Radeon R7 integrated graphics, making it an APU, while the Intel i7-870S has no integrated graphics listed in the data. The AMD part also supports PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes, whereas the Intel chip is limited to PCIe Gen 2 with 16 lanes. Memory support is similar, with both supporting DDR3 in dual-channel mode, but the A10-7700K has a specified memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. The AMD chip has an unlocked multiplier, allowing for easier overclocking, while the Intel chip's multiplier is locked. The i7-870S uses the Intel Socket 1156, while the A10-7700K uses the AMD Socket FM2+. The i7-870S was released in July 2010, while the A10-7700K came later in January 2014, explaining the generational leap in process technology and features. The TDP also differs, with the Intel part rated at 82 W and the AMD part at a higher 95 W.

The Verdict

The data paints a clear picture of two processors designed for different priorities within the same performance envelope. The Intel Core i7-870S is the clear winner for multi-threaded productivity. Its 8 threads and substantial L3 cache allow it to dominate in Cinebench multicore tests, where it scores 236 in R15, 987 in R20, and 2350 in R23. Any user running video encoding, 3D rendering, or heavy multitasking should unequivocally choose the Intel part based on these numbers. The benchmark results indicate that the i7-870S's multithreading capability is its primary strength, and it leverages this to pull ahead of the AMD competitor in these specific workloads.

The AMD A10-7700K, on the other hand, is a more balanced package. Its higher base and boost clocks (3.40 GHz and 3.80 GHz) and its Geekbench scores of 1155 multicore and 447 single-core suggest it performs well in tasks that are not heavily multi-threaded. The inclusion of Radeon R7 integrated graphics and an unlocked multiplier adds features that the Intel chip simply does not have. For a user who does light gaming or general desktop use and wants the ability to overclock, the A10-7700K is the more feature-rich option. However, the data shows the A10-7700K has no L3 cache, which is a significant handicap in many compute tasks.

In terms of raw aggregate performance, there is nothing separating them. The i7-870S has an average benchmark score of 809, and the A10-7700K has 801, a negligible difference. Both sit in the 22nd percentile of all CPUs. The decision comes down to workload. If the priority is multi-threaded rendering, the i7-870S wins. If the priority is a modern platform with integrated graphics, an unlocked multiplier, and PCIe Gen 3, the A10-7700K is the better choice. The data does not support a universal winner; it supports a workload-specific recommendation.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has better multi-core performance in Cinebench R23?

A: The Intel Core i7-870S is significantly ahead, scoring 2350 in Cinebench R23 multicore. The AMD A10-7700K does not have a score listed for that test in the data.

Q: Does the AMD A10-7700K have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the AMD A10-7700K features Radeon R7 integrated graphics. The Intel Core i7-870S does not have any integrated graphics listed in the data.

Q: What are the average benchmark scores for both CPUs?

A: The Intel Core i7-870S has an average benchmark score of 809, while the AMD A10-7700K has an average benchmark score of 801. This puts them in the same performance class.

Q: How do their thread counts differ?

A: The Intel Core i7-870S has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the AMD A10-7700K has 4 cores and 4 threads. This gives the Intel part an advantage in multi-threaded workloads.

Q: Which CPU has a larger cache?

A: The Intel Core i7-870S has a larger cache, with 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD A10-7700K has no L3 cache, only 4 MB of L2 cache.

Q: Is the AMD A10-7700K's multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: Yes, the AMD A10-7700K has an unlocked multiplier. The Intel Core i7-870S's multiplier is locked.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-870S wins decisively in multi-threaded rendering and compute workloads. The Cinebench R15 multicore score of 236, R20 multicore score of 987, and R23 multicore score of 2350 are all strong indicators of its ability to handle parallel processing. This makes it the superior choice for video editing, 3D modeling, and any task that can utilize its 8 threads. The presence of an 8 MB L3 cache also helps in workloads with large datasets that benefit from fast, shared memory access. The data shows that for a pure multi-threaded number-crunching machine, the i7-870S is the clear winner.

The AMD A10-7700K wins in the areas of platform features and single-threaded responsiveness. Its Geekbench single-core score of 447, while not directly comparable to the Intel part's Cinebench scores, indicates solid performance in lightly-threaded applications. The higher clock speeds of 3.40 GHz base and 3.80 GHz boost help in tasks like web browsing, office applications, and older games. The inclusion of Radeon R7 integrated graphics provides a complete system-on-chip solution, eliminating the need for a discrete GPU in basic builds. The unlocked multiplier offers enthusiasts the ability to push the chip further, a feature the Intel part lacks.

In the broader benchmark landscape, the two chips are tied. The i7-870S's nearest rival, the AMD A10-6800K, matches its average score of 809, while the A10-7700K is matched by the Intel Xeon E5530 and Pentium Silver J5040 at 801. The data suggests that while the i7-870S is the better rendering CPU, the A10-7700K is a more versatile and modern platform. The decision hinges on whether the user needs raw multi-threaded muscle or a feature-packed, overclockable APU. The benchmark results indicate that neither chip is a bad choice, but they serve distinctly different user profiles.