AMD A10-7700K vs Intel Xeon X3440 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data presents an unusual comparison: the two processors never directly faced each other in a shared benchmark suite. The Intel Xeon X3440 has measurements from the Cinebench family (R15, R20, and R23), while the AMD A10-7700K has measurements from Geekbench (multi-core and single-core). Consequently, direct score-to-score comparisons are impossible. However, the database’s average benchmark scores provide a common reference point.

The Intel Xeon X3440 achieves an average benchmark score of 815, while the AMD A10-7700K posts an average of 801. This places the Xeon 1.7% higher on aggregate. The Xeon’s nearest rivals in the database include the Intel Core i5-L16G7 (816, a 0.1% difference), the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9775 (813, 0.2% behind), the Intel Core i7-5550U (813, 0.2% behind), and the Intel Xeon E5540 (820, which is 0.7% ahead of the X3440). The A10-7700K’s nearest rivals include the Intel Xeon E5530 (801, a 0.0% delta), the Intel Pentium Silver J5040 (801, 0.0% delta), the Intel Core i5-3320M (803, 0.2% ahead), and the AMD Ryzen 3 2200U (805, 0.5% ahead). Both CPUs sit at the 22nd percentile of all processors in the database, indicating they occupy similar tiers of overall performance despite their architectural differences.

Looking at the Xeon’s Cinebench results, its multi-core R15 score is 238. In R20, it scores 994 multi-core and 140 single-core. In R23, it scores 2368 multi-core and 334 single-core. These numbers reveal a single-core efficiency that is roughly 14% of its multi-core output in R23, which is typical for a processor with eight threads. The A10-7700K, by contrast, shows a Geekbench multi-core score of 1155 and a single-core score of 447. The single-core score here is about 39% of the multi-core score, a much higher ratio, reflecting that the A10 has only four threads and thus less parallel scaling headroom.

The absence of overlapping benchmarks means the head-to-head must be interpreted through the average scores. The Xeon’s 815 average versus the A10’s 801 average is a narrow margin, within 2%. The nearest rival data confirms that both chips are surrounded by similar performers: the Xeon’s closest competitor is 0.7% faster (the Xeon E5540 at 820), while the A10’s closest is 0.5% faster (the Ryzen 3 2200U at 805). Neither processor demonstrates a commanding lead over the other in the aggregate metric. The wins tally is zero for both, as the head-to-head benchmark list is empty. This is a statistical tie in practical terms, with the Xeon holding a marginal edge.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Xeon X3440 has an average benchmark score of 815, while the AMD A10-7700K has an average of 801. The Xeon leads by 14 points, which is a 1.7% difference.

Q: How do the two processors compare in terms of thread count?

A: The Intel Xeon X3440 has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the AMD A10-7700K has 4 cores and 4 threads. The Xeon supports twice as many threads.

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

A: The Intel Xeon X3440 has a memory bandwidth of 21.3 GB/s, while the AMD A10-7700K has a memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. The AMD part offers 60% more bandwidth.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The Intel Xeon X3440 supports ECC memory, while the AMD A10-7700K does not.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The Intel Xeon X3440 has 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD A10-7700K has no L3 cache listed in the database; its cache hierarchy consists of 256 KB L1 and 4 MB L2.

Q: Are the processors in the same performance percentile?

A: Yes. Both the Intel Xeon X3440 and the AMD A10-7700K are at the 22nd percentile of all CPUs in the database.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design lineages. The Intel Xeon X3440 is built on the Nehalem architecture, with the codename Lynnfield, and uses a 45 nm process node fabricated by Intel. It contains 774 million transistors on a 296 mm² die. Its cache hierarchy is detailed per core: 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The memory controller supports DDR3 in a dual-channel configuration, delivering 21.3 GB/s of bandwidth, and ECC memory is supported. The PCIe implementation is Gen 2 with 16 lanes from the CPU only. The processor is socketed on Intel Socket 1156 and targets the server and workstation market segment.

The AMD A10-7700K is built on the Steamroller architecture, with the codename Kaveri, and uses a 28 nm process node fabricated by GlobalFoundries. It packs 2,411 million transistors on a 245 mm² die, which is over three times the transistor count of the Xeon but on a smaller die area. The cache layout is simpler: 256 KB of L1, 4 MB of L2, and no L3 cache. Memory support is DDR3 in dual-channel mode, with a higher bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s, but ECC memory is not supported. The PCIe implementation is newer, Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU only. The socket is AMD Socket FM2+ and the market segment is desktop. Critically, the A10-7700K includes integrated graphics, the Radeon R7, while the Xeon has none. The AMD chip also has an unlocked multiplier, whereas the Xeon does not.

The process node difference is notable: 45 nm versus 28 nm. The AMD part uses a smaller process, which helps fit more transistors (2,411 million versus 774 million) on a smaller die (245 mm² versus 296 mm²). The memory bandwidth favors AMD by a wide margin, 34.1 GB/s versus 21.3 GB/s. The PCIe generation also differs, with AMD on Gen 3 and Intel on Gen 2. The Xeon counters with ECC support and a larger L3 cache, while the AMD chip offers no L3 but a larger L2 (4 MB total versus 256 KB per core, which totals 1 MB on the Xeon). The integrated GPU on the A10-7700K is a major functional difference, making it a complete APU rather than a pure CPU.

The Verdict

The data points to a nuanced conclusion. For workloads that benefit from multi-threading, the Intel Xeon X3440 with 8 threads has a structural advantage over the 4-thread AMD A10-7700K. The Xeon’s Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 2368, while not directly comparable to the A10’s Geekbench scores, demonstrates strong parallel throughput for its era. The A10-7700K, with its 4 threads, will rely on higher clock speeds and memory bandwidth to compensate.

For single-threaded and memory-sensitive tasks, the AMD A10-7700K shows strengths. Its Geekbench single-core score of 447, paired with a memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s, suggests responsiveness in lightly threaded applications. The Xeon’s single-core R23 score of 334 is lower in absolute terms, but again, the benchmark suites differ.

The average benchmark scores, 815 for the Xeon and 801 for the A10, are close enough to be considered equivalent in the database’s ranking. Both sit at the 22nd percentile, and their nearest rivals are within 1% in either direction. The Xeon’s nearest rival, the Xeon E5540, is 0.7% faster, while the A10’s nearest rival, the Ryzen 3 2200U, is 0.5% faster. Neither processor has a clear performance crown.

The selection should hinge on platform needs. If ECC memory, a server-grade socket (Intel Socket 1156), and multi-threaded throughput are priorities, the Xeon X3440 is the data-backed choice. If integrated graphics, an unlocked multiplier, newer PCIe Gen 3, and higher memory bandwidth are required, the A10-7700K is the only option with those features. The Xeon has no integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is mandatory. The A10 includes Radeon R7 graphics, which is absent from the Xeon’s specification list.

In terms of raw compute, the database shows a statistical tie with a slight lean toward the Xeon. The 14-point average score difference is within the noise of the nearest rival deltas. The verdict is that the Xeon edges ahead for multi-threaded server-style workloads, while the A10 is better suited for desktop use cases that value integrated graphics and memory bandwidth. The 22nd percentile ranking for both indicates they are entry-level performers by modern standards.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Xeon X3440 | AMD A10-7700K |

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

| Base Clock | 2.53 GHz | 3.40 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 2.93 GHz | 3.80 GHz |

| Threads | 8 | 4 |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1156 | AMD Socket FM2+ |

| Architecture | Nehalem | Steamroller |

| Codename | Lynnfield | Kaveri |

| Process Node | 45 nm | 28 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | GlobalFoundries |

| Transistors | 774 million | 2,411 million |

| Die Size | 296 mm² | 245 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 64 KB (per core) | 256 KB |

| L2 Cache | 256 KB (per core) | 4 MB |

| L3 Cache | 8 MB (shared) | None |

| Memory Bandwidth | 21.3 GB/s | 34.1 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 2, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | None | Radeon R7 |

| Market Segment | Server/Workstation | Desktop |

| Release Date | 2009-09-07 | 2014-01-13 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

| Part Number | SLBLF | AD770KXBI44JAAD770KXBI44JABOX |

The table above captures the key divergences. The AMD chip runs at higher clocks (3.40 GHz base, 3.80 GHz boost versus 2.53 GHz and 2.93 GHz), uses a smaller process node, has more transistors, a smaller die, no L3 cache, higher memory bandwidth, no ECC support, newer PCIe, integrated graphics, a desktop segment target, a later release date, and an unlocked multiplier. The Intel chip counters with more threads, ECC support, an L3 cache, a server segment target, and an earlier release date. Both have a TDP of 95 watts, dual-channel DDR3 memory support, 4 cores, and a 22nd percentile ranking. The launch MSRP for the Xeon was $215; the A10 has no recorded launch MSRP.