AMD A10 PRO-7850B vs Intel Core i5-3360M Comparison

The Intel Core i5-3360M and AMD A10 PRO-7850B represent two very different philosophies from the same era of computing: a power-sipping mobile dual-core from Intel against a power-hungry desktop quad-core from AMD. The benchmark data shows them landing within 1% of each other on average, but the way they get there is entirely distinct. The Intel chip wins in single-threaded tasks, while the AMD chip takes multi-core workloads, making the choice between them depend entirely on what software you plan to run.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results are limited to Geekbench tests, and they paint a clear picture of a split decision. In the Geekbench multi-core test, the AMD A10 PRO-7850B scores 1194, which is 7% higher than the Intel Core i5-3360M’s 1110. That is a solid margin for the AMD part, and it makes sense given its two additional physical cores. The Intel chip doesn’t get shut out, though. It strikes back decisively in the Geekbench single-core test, scoring 518 versus the AMD’s 462. That is a 12.1% advantage for the Intel, a substantial lead that highlights the architectural efficiency of Intel’s Ivy Bridge design at lower clock speeds.

Looking at the broader benchmark picture, the Intel chip has far more data points. Its Cinebench R15 multi-core score is 246, and its Cinebench R20 multi-core score climbs to 1029. In single-core Cinebench R20, it manages 145, while R23 single-core shows 346 and multi-core shows 2451. The AMD chip has only Geekbench scores in the FACT PACK, so direct multi-application comparisons are impossible. However, the average benchmark scores tell the real story: the Intel i5-3360M averages 835, while the AMD A10 PRO-7850B averages 828. That puts the AMD part 0.8% behind the Intel part, a margin so thin it is effectively a tie. The Intel’s nearest rivals, the Intel Xeon X3450 and Core i5-5200U, both sit within 0.3% of its score, while the AMD’s closest competitor, the AMD PRO A10-8750B, is 0.9% behind it.

Architecture Differences

The fundamental architectural gap is the core count. The Intel Core i5-3360M has 2 physical cores and 4 threads, relying on Hyper-Threading to handle more work. The AMD A10 PRO-7850B has 4 physical cores and 4 threads, with no SMT equivalent. That explains the multi-core win for AMD, but it also explains why the AMD chip needs higher clocks to stay competitive in single-threaded tasks. The Intel runs at a 2.80 GHz base clock and boosts to 3.50 GHz, while the AMD runs at 3.70 GHz base and boosts to 4.00 GHz. Despite the AMD’s higher clocks, the Intel still wins single-core by 12.1%, showing that raw frequency is not the only factor.

The process nodes differ significantly. Intel uses a 22 nm process, while AMD uses a 28 nm process from GlobalFoundries. This is a major factor in the power envelope: the Intel chip has a TDP of 35 watts, while the AMD chip draws 95 watts. That is nearly three times the power for the AMD part, and it directly reflects the different market segments. The Intel is a mobile part on an Intel BGA 1023 socket, while the AMD is a desktop part on an AMD Socket FM2+. The AMD chip’s die size is 245 mm², compared to Intel’s 118 mm², and the AMD chip packs 2,411 million transistors, while the Intel’s transistor count is not listed in the data.

Cache configurations also diverge. Intel uses a per-core L1 of 64 KB and per-core L2 of 256 KB, with 3 MB of shared L3 cache. AMD uses a single 256 KB L1 and 4 MB of L2, with no L3 cache at all. The lack of L3 on the AMD part is notable, but the larger L2 may compensate in some workloads. The integrated graphics also differ: Intel uses the HD 4000, while AMD uses the Radeon R7. The AMD part supports DDR3 memory with a memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s and a dual-channel bus, while the Intel’s memory support is not specified in the data beyond its dual-channel bus. The AMD also features PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the Intel’s PCIe configuration is not listed.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-3360M wins decisively in single-threaded performance. Its 12.1% lead in Geekbench single-core is a major advantage for older software, lightly threaded applications, and tasks that cannot use more than one or two cores. The data also shows the Intel chip has a much longer benchmark history, with strong Cinebench scores across multiple versions, suggesting it maintains consistent performance across different test suites. If your workflow is dominated by a single demanding application, the Intel chip is the better choice.

The AMD A10 PRO-7850B wins in multi-threaded workloads, taking the Geekbench multi-core test by 7%. With four physical cores, it is better suited for video encoding, compilation, or any task that scales across cores. The AMD also has the advantage of a higher base and boost clock, which helps keep it competitive in scenarios where the Intel’s Hyper-Threading cannot fully compensate for fewer physical cores. The AMD’s integrated Radeon R7 graphics and higher memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s also make it a stronger candidate for a system that will handle visual tasks without a dedicated GPU.

Specification Differences

The two parts differ on nearly every core specification. The Intel has 2 cores and 4 threads, while the AMD has 4 cores and 4 threads. The Intel’s base clock is 2.80 GHz, boosting to 3.50 GHz; the AMD’s is 3.70 GHz base and 4.00 GHz boost. The TDP difference is stark: 35 watts for Intel versus 95 watts for AMD. The sockets are incompatible: Intel BGA 1023 versus AMD Socket FM2+. The process node is 22 nm for Intel and 28 nm for AMD. The die size is 118 mm² for Intel and 245 mm² for AMD, with the AMD packing 2,411 million transistors. Cache is 64 KB L1 per core plus 256 KB L2 per core plus 3 MB shared L3 for Intel, versus 256 KB L1 plus 4 MB L2 with no L3 for AMD. The Intel’s memory support is unspecified, but the AMD supports DDR3 with 34.1 GB/s bandwidth. The AMD also lists PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes, while the Intel does not list PCIe. The Intel has the HD 4000 graphics, the AMD has the Radeon R7. The Intel is a mobile part, the AMD is a desktop part. The AMD is marked end-of-life, while the Intel’s production status is not listed. The Intel released on 2012-05-31, and the AMD released on 2014-07-30. Neither part has a launch MSRP listed, and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in single-core tasks?

A: The Intel Core i5-3360M is faster by a significant margin. It scores 518 in Geekbench single-core, which is 12.1% higher than the AMD A10 PRO-7850B’s 462.

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core tasks?

A: The AMD A10 PRO-7850B wins the Geekbench multi-core test with a score of 1194, compared to the Intel’s 1110. That is a 7% advantage for the AMD part.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The Intel Core i5-3360M has an average benchmark score of 835, while the AMD A10 PRO-7850B averages 828. The AMD is 0.8% behind the Intel, making them effectively equivalent overall.

Q: What is the power consumption difference?

A: The Intel Core i5-3360M has a TDP of 35 watts, while the AMD A10 PRO-7850B has a TDP of 95 watts. The AMD part draws nearly three times the power of the Intel part.

Q: Do these processors use different sockets?

A: Yes. The Intel Core i5-3360M uses the Intel BGA 1023 socket, while the AMD A10 PRO-7850B uses the AMD Socket FM2+. They are not interchangeable.

Q: Which processor has more physical cores?

A: The AMD A10 PRO-7850B has 4 physical cores, while the Intel Core i5-3360M has 2 physical cores. However, the Intel chip supports 4 threads via Hyper-Threading, while the AMD chip has 4 threads with no SMT.

The Verdict

The data points to two distinct buyers. If you are building a low-power system or a laptop, the Intel Core i5-3360M is the only reasonable choice. Its 35-watt TDP is a fraction of the AMD’s 95-watt draw, and it delivers superior single-threaded performance with a 12.1% lead in Geekbench single-core. It also has a smaller die at 118 mm² and a more advanced 22 nm process, which explains its efficiency.

If you are building a desktop system where power is not a concern, the AMD A10 PRO-7850B offers better multi-core performance. Its 7% lead in Geekbench multi-core comes from having four true physical cores, and its higher clocks (3.70 GHz base, 4.00 GHz boost) help in burst workloads. The AMD also includes faster integrated graphics with the Radeon R7 and a listed memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s, making it a stronger all-in-one package for a media or budget desktop.

The catch is the average benchmark score: the Intel averages 835, the AMD averages 828. The AMD is 0.8% behind the Intel, and both sit at the 22nd percentile of all CPUs. Neither of these chips is a performance leader. The Intel wins on efficiency and single-threaded tasks; the AMD wins on raw core count and multi-threaded tasks. Your choice should come down to whether your software can use four cores or not. If it can, the AMD is the pick. If it cannot, the Intel is the better performer at a fraction of the power.