AMD A10-7850K vs Intel Core i5-3320M Comparison

The Intel Core i5-3320M and AMD A10-7850K represent two fundamentally different approaches to processor design from the early 2010s. One is a low-power mobile part, the other a desktop chip with integrated graphics. The benchmark data reveals a clear performance hierarchy, but the story is more nuanced than a simple winner. The i5-3320M wins both head-to-head tests, yet the A10-7850K brings its own architectural advantages to the table.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking result is in Geekbench single-core, where the Intel Core i5-3320M scores 589 against the AMD A10-7850K's 453. This represents a 30% advantage for Intel, a decisive margin that highlights the efficiency of the Ivy Bridge architecture. Single-threaded performance is critical for everyday tasks, legacy software, and games that rely on one or two strong cores. The i5-3320M's 2.60 GHz base clock and 3.30 GHz boost clock, combined with its architecture, clearly outpace the A10-7850K's higher-rated 3.70 GHz base and 4.00 GHz boost clocks. This suggests that raw clock speed alone does not dictate performance; the underlying architecture (Ivy Bridge vs. Steamroller) plays a more significant role.

The Geekbench multicore test shows a much closer contest. The Intel Core i5-3320M scores 1146, while the AMD A10-7850K scores 1139. The delta is a mere 0.6% , effectively a tie. This is surprising because the AMD part has 4 physical cores versus the Intel's 2 cores and 4 threads. The A10-7850K's extra cores should theoretically give it an edge in heavily threaded workloads. However, the data indicates that Intel's Hyper-Threading technology on the i5-3320M, combined with superior per-core efficiency, is enough to neutralize AMD's core count advantage in this specific test. The result implies that scaling with core count is not linear, and the quality of each core matters as much as the quantity.

Looking at the broader benchmark context, the Intel i5-3320M has a richer set of results. In Cinebench R15 multicore, it scores 227. In Cinebench R20, it achieves 948 in multicore and 133 in single-core. The Cinebench R23 results show 2258 in multicore and 318 in single-core. These scores are not available for the AMD A10-7850K, which only has Geekbench results in the data. This lack of Cinebench data for the AMD part makes a full comparison impossible, but the single Geekbench test where both are present paints a picture of Intel's dominance in single-threaded tasks and near-parity in multi-threaded tasks.

Where Each One Wins

Based on the data, the Intel Core i5-3320M wins in every head-to-head benchmark. Its 30% lead in single-core performance is its biggest strength. This makes it the superior choice for tasks that are not well-optimized for multiple cores. The data suggests it is better for general desktop responsiveness, office applications, and older or less optimized games where a single fast core is the primary driver. The i5-3320M's avgBenchmarkScore of 803 is also slightly higher than the A10-7850K's 796, reinforcing its overall performance advantage in the available data.

The AMD A10-7850K, despite losing the head-to-head tests, has attributes that suggest where it might be preferable. Its 4 physical cores and 4 threads provide a foundation that, in principle, should handle multi-threaded workloads better than a 2-core/4-thread part. The near 0.6% delta in the Geekbench multicore test shows that it is not far behind, and the potential for it to pull ahead in other multi-threaded applications is plausible. Furthermore, its integrated Radeon R7 graphics is a significant feature. While no graphics benchmarks are in the pack, the presence of a more powerful iGPU (compared to the Intel HD 4000) could make the A10-7850K a better choice for a budget system that needs to handle light gaming or media playback without a discrete graphics card. This is a qualitative assessment based on the known hardware, not a quantitative one from the data.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different architectures, which explains their performance characteristics. The Intel Core i5-3320M is based on Ivy Bridge, a 22 nm architecture manufactured by Intel. It has 2 cores and 4 threads, a dual-channel memory bus, and a TDP of 35 W. Its cache configuration is 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 3 MB shared L3. The die size is 118 mm². It is a mobile part on the Intel BGA 1023 socket.

The AMD A10-7850K, in contrast, uses the Steamroller architecture on a 28 nm process, manufactured by GlobalFoundries. It is a desktop part with 4 cores and 4 threads, a TDP of 95 W, and fits the AMD Socket FM2+. It features a larger physical footprint with a die size of 245 mm² and contains 2,411 million transistors. Its cache is configured as 256 KB L1 and 4 MB L2 with no L3 cache. The A10-7850K also supports DDR3 memory and has a Gen 3, 16 Lanes PCIe interface (CPU only). The i5-3320M is not listed with a PCIe version in the data.

These differences are stark. The Intel chip is a low-power, small-die mobile processor aimed at efficiency. The AMD chip is a larger, higher-power desktop processor designed for raw throughput and integrated graphics performance. The i5-3320M's 3 MB shared L3 cache is a significant advantage over the A10-7850K's lack of an L3 cache, which likely contributes to its superior single-core performance. The A10-7850K's larger L2 cache (4 MB vs. 256 KB per core) and more physical cores point to a design philosophy focused on multi-threaded throughput.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i5-3320M has an average benchmark score of 803, while the AMD A10-7850K has an average of 796. This puts the Intel part slightly ahead in the aggregate.

Q: How do the two compare in single-core performance?

A: In the Geekbench single-core test, the Intel Core i5-3320M scores 589 versus the AMD A10-7850K's 453. This gives the Intel processor a 30% advantage in single-threaded tasks.

Q: Is the AMD A10-7850K faster in multi-core tests?

A: No. In the Geekbench multicore test, the Intel Core i5-3320M scores 1146, narrowly beating the AMD A10-7850K's 1139 by 0.6%. Despite having more physical cores, the AMD part does not win this test.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each CPU?

A: The Intel Core i5-3320M has 2 cores and 4 threads, while the AMD A10-7850K has 4 cores and 4 threads. The AMD part has more physical cores, but the Intel part uses Hyper-Threading to reach an equivalent thread count.

Q: What are the TDPs of these two processors?

A: The Intel Core i5-3320M has a TDP of 35 W, making it a low-power mobile chip. The AMD A10-7850K has a TDP of 95 W, which is typical for a desktop processor.

Q: Which processor has a larger cache?

A: The AMD A10-7850K has a larger L2 cache at 4 MB total, compared to the Intel's 256 KB per core. However, the Intel Core i5-3320M has a 3 MB shared L3 cache, which the AMD A10-7850K lacks entirely.

Specification Differences

The table below outlines the key specifications where the two processors differ.

| Specification | Intel Core i5-3320M | AMD A10-7850K |

| :--- | :--- | :--- |

| Cores | 2 | 4 |

| Threads | 4 | 4 |

| Base Clock | 2.60 GHz | 3.70 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.30 GHz | 4.00 GHz |

| TDP | 35 W | 95 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1023 | AMD Socket FM2+ |

| Architecture | Ivy Bridge | Steamroller |

| Codename | Ivy Bridge | Kaveri |

| Process Node | 22 nm | 28 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | GlobalFoundries |

| Transistors | Not listed | 2,411 million |

| Die Size | 118 mm² | 245 mm² |

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

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

| L3 Cache | 3 MB (shared) | None |

| Memory Support | Not listed | DDR3 |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Not listed |

| PCIe | Not listed | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 4000 | Radeon R7 |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Production Status | Not listed | End-of-life |

| Release Date | 2012-05-31 | 2014-01-13 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

| Part Number | SR0MY | AD785KXBI44JAAD785KXBJABOX |

The Verdict

The data clearly shows that the Intel Core i5-3320M is the superior processor in terms of benchmark performance. It wins both available head-to-head tests, with a decisive 30% lead in single-core and a slight 0.6% edge in multi-core. Its higher average benchmark score of 803 versus 796 confirms this. For any user whose primary concern is raw CPU performance in the tested workloads, the Intel part is the clear choice.

However, the AMD A10-7850K is not without its merits. It is a desktop processor with a 95 W TDP and a larger die, indicating a different design intent. Its 4 physical cores and 4 MB L2 cache suggest it may handle some multi-threaded tasks better than the 2-core Intel part, even if the Geekbench multicore test shows them as equal. The presence of the Radeon R7 integrated graphics is a major differentiator. For a system builder looking to avoid a discrete GPU, the A10-7850K's integrated graphics are likely to be more capable than the Intel HD 4000, making the AMD part a more balanced platform solution. The unlocked multiplier on the A10-7850K also offers overclocking potential, which the locked i5-3320M does not. Ultimately, the choice depends on the use case: the i5-3320M wins on pure CPU performance metrics, while the A10-7850K offers a more complete, albeit less efficient, package for a desktop system, particularly where integrated graphics are a priority.