AMD A10-7850K vs Intel Pentium G4520 Comparison

The AMD A10-7850K and Intel Pentium G4520 occupy nearly the same position in the database, with the AMD part averaging 796 points and the Intel part averaging 778 points. Both sit at the 21st percentile of all CPUs, meaning the majority of processors outperform them. The A10-7850K edges ahead by 2.3% in average score, but the Pentium G4520 counters with a more modern architecture and a set of Cinebench results that the AMD chip simply cannot match with its recorded data. The choice between these two is not about raw performance equivalence, but about which workload profile matters more: multi-threaded throughput or single-thread efficiency.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database does not contain direct side-by-side test results for these two processors, so the comparison must rely on their respective benchmark suites. The AMD A10-7850K has only Geekbench scores recorded: 1139 in multi-core and 453 in single-core. The Intel Pentium G4520 has no Geekbench entries, but instead offers a full Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 set. This split makes a direct head-to-head walkthrough impossible, but the available numbers still reveal distinct strengths.

The Pentium G4520's Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 2261 is its strongest result. For a dual-core processor, that figure indicates substantial multi-threaded capability, though it cannot be directly compared to the A10-7850K without a common test. The A10-7850K's Geekbench multi-core score of 1139 is modest, placing it well below modern mid-range parts. The single-core Geekbench score of 453 is similarly low, reflecting the age of the Steamroller architecture.

Where the Pentium G4520 clearly leads is in Cinebench R20 single-core, scoring 133. This is a low absolute number, but for a 3.60 GHz dual-core without boost, it represents the expected efficiency of the Skylake design. The A10-7850K has no recorded single-core Cinebench score, so no direct comparison exists. The data does show that the Pentium G4520's Cinebench R23 single-core score of 319 is roughly 41% higher than its R20 single-core score, indicating scaling across versions, but again, the AMD chip has no equivalent data.

The nearest rivals for each processor put their performance in context. The A10-7850K sits within 0.6% of the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G, the AMD A6-9400, the AMD A10-5800B, and the Intel Pentium Silver J5040. The Pentium G4520 is statistically tied with the AMD A10-5800K, the AMD Athlon X4 760K, and the Intel Pentium Silver J5005, while trailing the Intel Core i3-7100 by 0.4%. These deltas are all under 1%, meaning both chips are firmly in the same performance tier, with no decisive benchmark victory for either in the recorded data.

The wins column shows zero for both processors in head-to-head tests, which simply reflects the absence of shared benchmark entries. The A10-7850K's average score of 796 is 18 points higher than the Pentium G4520's 778, a 2.3% margin that is within the noise of these clustered rivals. The Pentium G4520, however, has a more extensive benchmark record, offering five Cinebench scores that demonstrate consistent behavior across multiple rendering workloads.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two chips is substantial. The AMD A10-7850K uses the Steamroller architecture on a 28 nm process from GlobalFoundries, with 2,411 million transistors on a 245 mm² die. The Intel Pentium G4520 uses the Skylake architecture on a 14 nm process from Intel, with 1,400 million transistors on a 150 mm² die. The smaller process node gives Intel a density advantage, but the AMD chip packs more transistors overall, reflecting its larger die and integrated Radeon R7 graphics.

The core counts differ sharply. The A10-7850K has 4 cores and 4 threads, while the Pentium G4520 has 2 cores and 2 threads. This gives the AMD part a raw multi-thread advantage in principle, but the Pentium's newer architecture compensates in single-thread tasks. The A10-7850K runs at a base clock of 3.70 GHz with a boost to 4.00 GHz, while the Pentium G4520 runs at 3.60 GHz with no boost clock recorded. The AMD chip also has an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking, while the Intel part is locked.

Cache configurations diverge completely. The A10-7850K has 256 KB of L1 cache and 4 MB of L2 cache, with no L3 cache. The Pentium G4520 has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 cache per core, and 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The lack of L3 on the AMD part is a significant handicap in workloads that benefit from shared cache, while the Intel part's per-core L2 and shared L3 provide a more balanced hierarchy.

Memory support also differs. The A10-7850K supports only DDR3, while the Pentium G4520 supports both DDR3 and DDR4. The Pentium has a dual-channel memory bus with a recorded bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s, while the AMD part has no memory bus width or bandwidth figures in the database. This suggests the Intel platform offers more modern memory options, though the AMD part's memory support is unspecified beyond the DDR3 standard.

Both processors use PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes for CPU-only connections, and neither supports ECC memory. The A10-7850K integrates Radeon R7 graphics, while the Pentium G4520 integrates Intel HD 530. The production statuses differ: the AMD part is end-of-life, while the Intel part is active. The release dates are also distinct, with the A10-7850K launching in January 2014 and the Pentium G4520 in August 2015.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD A10-7850K averages 796 points, while the Intel Pentium G4520 averages 778 points. The AMD chip leads by 18 points, a 2.3% margin.

Q: Does the Intel Pentium G4520 support DDR4 memory?

A: Yes, the Pentium G4520 supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory. The AMD A10-7850K supports only DDR3.

Q: What is the core and thread count difference?

A: The AMD A10-7850K has 4 cores and 4 threads. The Intel Pentium G4520 has 2 cores and 2 threads.

Q: Which processor has an unlocked multiplier?

A: The AMD A10-7850K has an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking. The Intel Pentium G4520 does not have an unlocked multiplier.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The AMD A10-7850K has a TDP of 95 watts. The Intel Pentium G4520 has a TDP of 51 watts, making it more power-efficient on paper.

Q: Which processor is newer in the database?

A: The Intel Pentium G4520 was released in August 2015, while the AMD A10-7850K was released in January 2014. The Pentium is also marked as active, while the A10 is end-of-life.

Specification Differences

The table below lists only the fields where the two processors differ, based on the recorded data.

| Field | AMD A10-7850K | Intel Pentium G4520 |

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

| Cores | 4 | 2 |

| Threads | 4 | 2 |

| Base Clock | 3.70 GHz | 3.60 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.00 GHz | None |

| TDP | 95 W | 51 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket FM2+ | Intel Socket 1151 |

| Architecture | Steamroller | Skylake |

| Process Node | 28 nm | 14 nm |

| Foundry | GlobalFoundries | Intel |

| Transistors | 2,411 million | 1,400 million |

| Die Size | 245 mm² | 150 mm² |

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

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

| L3 Cache | None | 4 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR3 | DDR3, DDR4 |

| Memory Bus | Not recorded | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | Not recorded | 34.1 GB/s |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon R7 | Intel HD 530 |

| Production Status | End-of-life | Active |

| Release Date | 2014-01-13 | 2015-08-31 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Part Number | AD785KXBI44JAAD785KXBJABOX | SR2HM |

| Benchmarks | Geekbench multi-core 1139, single-core 453 | Cinebench R15 multi-core 227, R20 multi-core 949, R20 single-core 133, R23 multi-core 2261, R23 single-core 319 |

| Nearest Rivals | Ryzen Embedded R1606G, A6-9400, A10-5800B, Pentium Silver J5040 | A10-5800K, Athlon X4 760K, Pentium Silver J5005, Core i3-7100 |

The Verdict

The data points to distinct use cases. The AMD A10-7850K has a higher average score (796 versus 778) and four physical cores, making it the better choice for multi-threaded workloads that can use all four threads. Its 4.00 GHz boost clock and unlocked multiplier also provide headroom for tuning, though the database does not include overclocking test results.

The Intel Pentium G4520, despite having only two cores, counters with a newer 14 nm process and a shared 4 MB L3 cache. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 2261 is its best recorded result, and the single-core scores of 133 (R20) and 319 (R23) indicate efficient per-thread execution. The lower TDP of 51 watts versus 95 watts also makes it the more power-conscious option.

Neither processor is a clear winner in the recorded data. The A10-7850K leads on average score and core count, while the Pentium G4520 leads on architecture modernity, memory flexibility, and cache hierarchy. The 2.3% average score gap is small enough that real-world differences would depend heavily on the specific software and whether it scales with cores or single-thread speed.

Where Each One Wins

AMD A10-7850K wins on multi-core throughput potential. With 4 cores and 4 threads, it has double the thread count of the Pentium G4520. Its Geekbench multi-core score of 1139, while modest, reflects a processor that can handle parallel workloads. The unlocked multiplier is a further advantage for users who want to push beyond stock settings, though the database does not record overclocked performance.

Intel Pentium G4520 wins on single-thread efficiency and platform features. The Skylake architecture on a 14 nm process is significantly newer than Steamroller on 28 nm. The dual-channel memory bus with 34.1 GB/s bandwidth and support for both DDR3 and DDR4 gives it broader compatibility with modern motherboards. The 4 MB shared L3 cache is a structural advantage that the AMD part lacks entirely, as the A10-7850K has no L3 cache.

The Pentium G4520 also wins on power efficiency. Its 51 watt TDP is less than half the 95 watt TDP of the A10-7850K, which matters for small form factor builds or systems with modest cooling. The Intel part is also listed as active production, while the AMD part is end-of-life, suggesting longer availability for the Pentium.

The A10-7850K wins on raw core count and average score. The 796 average versus 778 is a small but recorded lead. For applications that are explicitly multi-threaded and can use four cores, the AMD part has the structural advantage. Its Radeon R7 integrated graphics may also offer different driver capabilities than the Intel HD 530, though the database does not include graphics benchmarks.

In summary, the AMD A10-7850K suits users prioritizing multi-threaded tasks and overclocking, while the Intel Pentium G4520 suits users valuing modern architecture, memory flexibility, and lower power draw. The recorded benchmark data does not declare a decisive winner, leaving the choice dependent on workload priorities.