AMD A10-7870K vs Intel Xeon X3470 Comparison

The AMD A10-7870K edges out the Intel Xeon X3470 across every shared benchmark in this comparison, but the two processors land in the same performance tier. Both CPUs hold a 26th percentile ranking among all tested processors, and their average benchmark scores differ by less than 1% (975 vs 983). The A10-7870K wins all five head-to-head Cinebench tests by a consistent 4% margin, yet the Xeon X3470 counters with Hyper-Threading, ECC memory support, and a lower launch price point. The data suggests these are closely matched legacy parts with different strengths for different workloads.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins the most benchmarks?

A: The AMD A10-7870K wins all five head-to-head Cinebench tests, covering R15 multicore, R20 multicore, R20 singlecore, R23 multicore, and R23 singlecore. Each victory comes by a 4% margin, with the Xeon X3470 recording zero wins.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The Intel Xeon X3470 has an average benchmark score of 983, while the AMD A10-7870K scores 975. This places the Xeon 0.8% higher on average, even though it loses every direct head-to-head test. Both processors sit at the 26th percentile of all CPUs.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory type?

A: Yes, both support DDR3 memory in dual-channel configuration. However, the AMD A10-7870K offers higher memory bandwidth at 34.1 GB/s compared to the Xeon X3470's 21.3 GB/s. Only the Intel processor supports ECC memory.

Q: What are the core and thread counts?

A: Both have 4 physical cores, but the Intel Xeon X3470 supports 8 threads via Hyper-Threading, while the AMD A10-7870K has only 4 threads. The AMD processor compensates with higher clock speeds: a 3.90 GHz base and 4.10 GHz boost versus 2.93 GHz base and 3.60 GHz boost for Intel.

Q: Does either processor include integrated graphics?

A: Only the AMD A10-7870K includes integrated graphics, specifically the Radeon R7. The Intel Xeon X3470 has no integrated graphics, which is typical for its server/workstation market segment.

Q: Which processor has a more recent release date?

A: The AMD A10-7870K was released on May 27, 2015, while the Intel Xeon X3470 came out on September 7, 2009. Both are now end-of-life products.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two processors spans nearly six years of design evolution. The Intel Xeon X3470 uses the Nehalem architecture on the Lynnfield codename, built on a 45 nm process at Intel's foundry. It packs 774 million transistors into a 296 mm² die. The AMD A10-7870K employs the Steamroller architecture under the Godaveri codename, fabricated on a 28 nm process at GlobalFoundries, with 2,411 million transistors in a 245 mm² die — roughly three times the transistor count in a smaller physical area.

Cache layouts diverge significantly. The Xeon X3470 features 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 cache per core, backed by 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The A10-7870K offers 256 KB of L1 cache total and 4 MB of L2 cache, with no L3 cache at all. The Intel part's larger L3 pool likely helps with its 8-thread workload scheduling, while the AMD part relies on higher clock speeds and its larger L1 allocation.

Threading strategy separates these parts fundamentally. Intel implements 4 cores with 8 threads through Hyper-Threading, while AMD runs 4 cores with 4 threads. The Xeon X3470 targets the server/workstation segment with ECC memory support and a PCIe Gen 2 interface with 16 lanes. The A10-7870K is a desktop part with PCIe Gen 3 (also 16 lanes), an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, and integrated Radeon R7 graphics. The AMD processor also draws its 95 W TDP from a 3.90 GHz base clock, whereas the Intel part's 95 W TDP powers a 2.93 GHz base clock — a significant efficiency gap given identical power envelopes.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The AMD A10-7870K sweeps the entire head-to-head benchmark suite, winning every test by exactly 4%. In Cinebench R15 multicore, AMD scores 299 against Intel's 287. The R20 multicore test shows 1249 for AMD versus 1199 for Intel. Single-core results follow the same pattern: R20 singlecore gives AMD 176 against 169, and R23 singlecore gives AMD 420 against 403. The largest absolute gap appears in R23 multicore, where AMD posts 2975 versus Intel's 2857 — a 118-point difference.

These consistent 4% margins across all five tests indicate that the AMD part's clock speed advantage (3.90 GHz base, 4.10 GHz boost) translates directly into rendering performance, even against Intel's Hyper-Threading advantage. The Xeon X3470's 8 threads cannot overcome a 1 GHz base clock deficit in these Cinebench workloads. Notably, the A10-7870K also has Geekbench results in its benchmark list — 1225 multicore and 478 singlecore — though no comparable Geekbench scores exist for the Xeon X3470 in the data, so no direct head-to-head comparison is possible there.

The Xeon X3470's average benchmark score of 983 remains higher than the A10-7870K's 975, which reflects its performance in other tests not covered by the head-to-head set. This means the Intel part likely holds advantages in some non-Cinebench workloads, even though the AMD part dominates the shared rendering tests.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every specification category. Clock speeds: AMD runs at 3.90 GHz base and 4.10 GHz boost; Intel runs at 2.93 GHz base and 3.60 GHz boost. Process node: AMD uses 28 nm; Intel uses 45 nm. Transistor count: AMD has 2,411 million; Intel has 774 million. Die size: AMD measures 245 mm²; Intel measures 296 mm².

Cache configurations diverge completely. Intel provides 64 KB L1 per core and 256 KB L2 per core with 8 MB shared L3. AMD provides 256 KB L1 total and 4 MB L2 with no L3. Memory bandwidth favors AMD at 34.1 GB/s versus 21.3 GB/s for Intel, though both run dual-channel DDR3. ECC memory is supported only on the Intel part.

PCIe generation differs: AMD offers Gen 3 with 16 lanes, while Intel offers Gen 2 with 16 lanes. Integrated graphics exist only on AMD (Radeon R7). The multiplier is unlocked on AMD but locked on Intel. Market segments differ: AMD targets desktop, Intel targets server/workstation. Release dates show AMD's 2015 launch versus Intel's 2009 launch. The Intel part has a launch MSRP of $589; the AMD part has no listed launch MSRP. Sockets are incompatible: AMD uses Socket FM2+, Intel uses Socket 1156.

The Verdict

The AMD A10-7870K is the clear winner for rendering workloads, taking all five head-to-head Cinebench tests by 4% each. Its higher clock speeds and superior memory bandwidth deliver tangible results in single-threaded and multi-threaded rendering alike. The 4% edge appears consistent regardless of test generation — R15, R20, and R23 all show the same margin — suggesting a stable performance advantage rather than benchmark-specific quirks.

The Intel Xeon X3470 remains relevant for specific use cases. Its 8 threads provide better multitasking headroom than the AMD part's 4 threads, and ECC memory support makes it suitable for reliability-focused server or workstation deployments. The Xeon's higher average benchmark score (983 vs 975) hints at broader strengths outside the Cinebench suite, and its 8 MB of shared L3 cache could benefit cache-sensitive workloads.

For desktop users prioritizing rendering speed and integrated graphics, the A10-7870K is the straightforward choice. For server environments requiring ECC memory and thread-level parallelism, the Xeon X3470 holds the advantage. The AMD processor also offers overclocking via its unlocked multiplier, while the Intel part is locked. Neither processor achieves a high percentile ranking — both sit at 26 — so this comparison is strictly between two entry-level legacy parts.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD A10-7870K wins in every directly compared benchmark: Cinebench R15 multicore, R20 multicore, R20 singlecore, R23 multicore, and R23 singlecore. This makes it the superior option for video rendering, 3D modeling, and any application that scales with Cinebench-style workloads. The 4% margin applies equally to single-core and multi-core tests, indicating that clock speed drives the advantage rather than core count. The integrated Radeon R7 graphics also give it a clear edge for systems without a discrete GPU, and its higher memory bandwidth (34.1 GB/s vs 21.3 GB/s) benefits memory-intensive tasks.

The Intel Xeon X3470 wins in areas not covered by the head-to-head tests. Its 8 threads provide better parallel task handling for server-style workloads, and ECC memory support makes it appropriate for error-sensitive computing environments. The higher average benchmark score (983 vs 975) suggests it outperforms the AMD part in some unlisted tests, and its 8 MB L3 cache versus the AMD part's lack of L3 could favor workloads with high cache reuse. The Intel part also carries a lower launch MSRP of $589, though this comparison excludes pricing considerations beyond that single factual mention.

For gaming or general desktop use with integrated graphics needs, the A10-7870K is the practical pick. For headless servers, workstation reliability, or applications that leverage Hyper-Threading, the Xeon X3470 remains viable. The data shows a narrow but consistent AMD victory in rendering, balanced against Intel's thread-count and memory-reliability advantages elsewhere.