CPU Comparison

# Intel Xeon X5482 vs AMD A10-7700K

The Intel Xeon X5482 and AMD A10-7700K represent two very different approaches to quad-core computing. The Xeon, a server/workstation part from 2007, relies on high per-core efficiency and a massive 150W thermal envelope. The A10-7700K, a desktop APU from 2014, counters with a higher base clock and integrated Radeon R7 graphics. Their average benchmark scores are nearly identical: the Xeon scores 805, the A10-7700K scores 801, a difference of only 0.5%. Both CPUs sit at the 22nd percentile of all processors tracked, placing them in the same performance tier despite the seven-year gap in release dates.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

Direct head-to-head benchmark data is unavailable for this pair, so the comparison relies on their respective benchmark suites. The Xeon X5482 has extensive Cinebench results: R15 multicore scores 235, R20 multicore scores 983, R20 single-core scores 138, R23 multicore scores 2341, and R23 single-core scores 330. The A10-7700K has only Geekbench results: multicore scores 1155 and single-core scores 447. These different benchmarks make a direct score-to-score comparison impossible, but the average benchmark scores provide a common reference point.

The Xeon's average score of 805 places it exactly even with the AMD Ryzen 3 2200U (805, 0% delta) and barely ahead of the Intel Core i5-3320M (803, 0.3% delta). It trails the AMD Athlon X4 850 (806, -0.1% delta) and the Intel Core i7-870S (809, -0.4% delta) by negligible margins. The A10-7700K's average of 801 ties it with the Intel Xeon E5530 (801, 0% delta) and the Intel Pentium Silver J5040 (801, 0% delta). It sits 0.2% behind the Core i5-3320M (803) and 0.5% behind the Ryzen 3 2200U (805). These delta values are all within a fraction of a percent, indicating that both CPUs occupy the same competitive space.

Examining the Cinebench R23 results for the Xeon, the multicore score of 2341 is roughly seven times the single-core score of 330, suggesting that the CPU scales well across its four cores. In Cinebench R20, the multicore score of 983 versus the single-core score of 138 yields a similar ratio. The A10-7700K's Geekbench results show a multicore score of 1155 and a single-core score of 447, a ratio of about 2.6x. The A10's single-core advantage in Geekbench is notable, but the differing benchmark suites prevent a definitive verdict on which CPU has the stronger single-threaded performance.

Where Each One Wins

The Xeon X5482 wins in scenarios that demand sustained multicore throughput. Its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 2341 and R20 multicore score of 983 indicate strong parallel processing capability for its era. The server/workstation market segment suggests it was designed for workloads like rendering, scientific computing, and database operations where all four cores are fully utilized. The Xeon also supports ECC memory, a critical feature for reliability in server environments, and its memory support for both DDR2 and DDR3 gives it flexibility depending on the motherboard. The 150W TDP reflects a design that prioritizes performance over power efficiency, which is typical for server parts that run in well-cooled racks.

The A10-7700K wins in power efficiency and integrated feature set. Its 95W TDP is 37% lower than the Xeon's 150W, making it far more suitable for desktop builds with standard cooling. The integrated Radeon R7 graphics eliminate the need for a discrete GPU in basic display tasks, a capability the Xeon completely lacks. The A10's boost clock of 3.80 GHz versus its 3.40 GHz base clock provides automatic overclocking headroom, and the unlocked multiplier allows manual overclocking for enthusiasts. The A10 also supports PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes, a generation newer than the Xeon's PCIe Gen 2. For a desktop user building a compact or media-oriented system, the A10's lower power draw, integrated graphics, and modern PCIe are clear advantages.

In terms of raw single-core speed, the A10's Geekbench single-core score of 447 appears stronger than the Xeon's Cinebench R23 single-core score of 330, but again, the different benchmarks make direct comparison unreliable. The A10's higher base clock of 3.40 GHz versus the Xeon's 3.20 GHz suggests a slight clock-speed advantage in lightly threaded tasks.

FAQ

Q: How do the average benchmark scores of the two CPUs compare?

A: The Intel Xeon X5482 has an average benchmark score of 805, while the AMD A10-7700K scores 801. This is a difference of only 0.5%, putting both CPUs at the 22nd percentile of all processors.

Q: Which CPU has better multicore performance in Cinebench?

A: The Xeon X5482 has Cinebench R23 multicore and R20 multicore scores of 2341 and 983, respectively. The A10-7700K has no Cinebench results, so a direct comparison is not possible from the available data.

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

A: Yes, the A10-7700K includes integrated Radeon R7 graphics. The Xeon X5482 has no integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for any display output.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two CPUs?

A: The Xeon X5482 has a TDP of 150W, while the A10-7700K has a TDP of 95W. The A10 consumes 37% less power, making it more suitable for standard desktop cooling solutions.

Q: Which CPU supports ECC memory?

A: The Xeon X5482 supports ECC memory, while the A10-7700K does not. The Xeon supports DDR2 and DDR3 depending on the motherboard, while the A10 supports only DDR3.

Q: What are the socket requirements for each CPU?

A: The Xeon X5482 uses Intel Socket 771, and the A10-7700K uses AMD Socket FM2+. They are not interchangeable.

Specification Differences

The Xeon X5482 and A10-7700K differ across nearly every specification. The Xeon has a base clock of 3.20 GHz with no boost clock, while the A10 has a base clock of 3.40 GHz and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz. The TDP difference is significant: 150W for the Xeon versus 95W for the A10. The Xeon uses Intel Socket 771, while the A10 uses AMD Socket FM2+. The Xeon supports DDR2 and DDR3 memory (depending on the motherboard), whereas the A10 supports only DDR3. The A10 has a specified memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s, while the Xeon has no listed memory bandwidth figure.

The Xeon supports ECC memory; the A10 does not. The Xeon's PCIe is Gen 2, while the A10's is Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The Xeon has no integrated graphics; the A10 includes Radeon R7. The market segments differ: the Xeon is a server/workstation part, and the A10 is a desktop part. The Xeon's multiplier is locked, while the A10's is unlocked. The Xeon's launch MSRP was $1279, and the A10 has no launch MSRP listed. The Xeon's part numbers are SLANZSLBBG, and the A10's are AD770KXBI44JAAD770KXBI44JABOX.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide between these two CPUs is substantial. The Xeon X5482 is based on the Core 2 architecture, codenamed Harpertown, built on a 45 nm process at Intel. It contains 820 million transistors on a die size of 2x 107 mm². The A10-7700K uses the Steamroller architecture, codenamed Kaveri, built on a 28 nm process at GlobalFoundries. It packs 2,411 million transistors on a 245 mm² die. The A10 has nearly three times the transistor count, reflecting its integrated graphics and newer design, despite the Xeon having a larger combined die area (214 mm² versus 245 mm²).

Cache configurations differ notably. The Xeon has 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 6 MB of L2 cache per die. The A10 has 256 KB of L1 cache total and 4 MB of L2 cache total. Neither CPU has L3 cache. The Xeon's L2 cache is distributed per die, consistent with its dual-die design, while the A10's L2 is shared across the single die.

The memory architectures reflect their respective eras. The Xeon's support for both DDR2 and DDR3, dependent on motherboard, indicates a transitional period in memory technology. The A10's exclusive DDR3 support with a rated bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s is a more standardized implementation. The Xeon's ECC support is essential for its server role, while the A10's lack of ECC aligns with consumer desktop usage. The PCIe generations differ as well: the Xeon supports Gen 2, while the A10 supports the newer Gen 3 with 16 lanes. The A10's integrated Radeon R7 graphics represent a fundamental architectural addition that the Xeon cannot match, relying entirely on discrete graphics. The production status for both is end-of-life, but the Xeon's 2007 release versus the A10's 2014 release spans a full generation of process technology and design philosophy.