CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-920 and AMD A10 PRO-7850B represent two very different approaches to desktop computing from different eras, and the benchmark data shows they end up in a near-standoff overall despite their contrasting designs. The Intel part, a 45 nm Bloomfield chip from the Core i7 family, relies on high thread counts and a large shared cache, while the AMD Kaveri part, built on 28 nm Steamroller architecture, counters with higher clock speeds and an integrated GPU. The average benchmark scores are remarkably close, 840 for the Intel and 828 for the AMD, placing both in the 22nd percentile of all CPUs. This means neither chip is a clear winner in raw compute; instead, the choice hinges on specific workloads and platform priorities.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results reveal a clear split: the Intel Core i7-920 dominates in multi-threaded rendering tasks, while the AMD A10 PRO-7850B only has data for Geekbench tests, which show a different strength profile. Looking at Cinebench, the i7-920 scores 246 in Cinebench R15 multicore, 1025 in R20 multicore, and 2442 in R23 multicore. These numbers are substantial for a processor from 2008, but they are only part of the story. The single-core scores for the i7-920 are 144 in R20 and 344 in R23, which are notably weaker compared to its multi-core results, indicating the chip's architecture favors parallel workloads.

The AMD A10 PRO-7850B has no Cinebench entries in the data, so its performance is measured through Geekbench instead. It posts a multicore score of 1194 and a single-core score of 462. While these Geekbench numbers are not directly comparable to the Cinebench figures, different test suites measure different aspects of performance, they indicate the AMD chip has relatively stronger single-core performance for its era. The Intel i7-920 has no Geekbench scores in the pack, so a direct head-to-head on the same test is impossible. The data shows zero wins for either side in the head-to-head benchmarks section, meaning no shared test results exist for a direct comparison.

What the numbers do show is that the i7-920's multi-core advantage is its defining trait. In Cinebench R23, the multicore score of 2442 is roughly seven times the single-core score of 344, highlighting how effectively the 8 threads scale. The AMD A10 PRO-7850B's Geekbench single-core score of 462 is higher than the i7-920's Cinebench single-core scores, but again, this is cross-suite comparison. The practical takeaway is that for rendering applications that use Cinebench-style workloads, the i7-920 will pull ahead significantly; for other tasks, the AMD chip's performance profile is less clear from the available data.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two processors is substantial, reflecting their six-year release date difference. The Intel Core i7-920, released in November 2008, uses the Nehalem architecture with the Bloomfield codename, built on a 45 nm process at Intel. It packs 731 million transistors into a 263 mm² die. This is a quad-core processor with 8 threads, running at a base clock of 2.67 GHz and a boost clock of 2.93 GHz. Its cache hierarchy is per-core for L1 and L2, 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core, but features a large 8 MB shared L3 cache. Memory support is DDR3 over a triple-channel bus, which was a high-end feature at the time. It uses PCIe Gen 2 and has no integrated graphics, relying entirely on a discrete GPU.

The AMD A10 PRO-7850B, released in July 2014, uses the Steamroller architecture with the Kaveri codename, built on a 28 nm process at GlobalFoundries. It has 2,411 million transistors on a 245 mm² die, which is a much higher transistor density despite the smaller die size. This is also a quad-core processor, but it has only 4 threads, no hyper-threading equivalent. Its base clock is much higher at 3.70 GHz, boosting to 4.00 GHz. The cache layout is different: 256 KB L1 total and 4 MB L2 total, with no L3 cache at all. Memory support is DDR3 over a dual-channel bus, with a specified bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. It uses PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), and crucially, it includes integrated Radeon R7 graphics, which the Intel chip completely lacks. The AMD part also has a lower TDP of 95 watts versus the Intel's 130 watts.

The transistor count difference is stark: 2,411 million versus 731 million. This reflects the newer process node and the integration of the GPU. The AMD chip's lack of L3 cache is a notable trade-off, compensated by higher clocks and the iGPU. The Intel chip's triple-channel memory bus and larger L3 cache were designed for server-like throughput, while the AMD chip's dual-channel memory and integrated graphics point toward a more balanced, mainstream desktop role.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-920 wins in multi-threaded, CPU-heavy workloads. The Cinebench R23 multicore score of 2442, combined with the 8 threads, makes it the clear choice for video rendering, 3D modeling, and other tasks that scale across cores. The data shows its nearest rivals in average score include the Intel Xeon X5470 (839, delta 0.1%), Intel Core i5-3380M (838, delta 0.2%), and Intel Core i5-5200U (838, delta 0.3%), with the AMD FX-8800P trailing slightly at 843 (delta -0.3%). These rivals are all within a fraction of a percent, indicating the i7-920's performance sits in a tight cluster. For anyone running Cinebench-like rendering software, the i7-920's multi-core advantage is the deciding factor.

The AMD A10 PRO-7850B wins in scenarios where integrated graphics matter and power efficiency is a concern. Its Radeon R7 integrated graphics means a system can run without a discrete GPU, which is a significant advantage for basic desktop use, light gaming, or media consumption. Its TDP of 95 watts is lower than the Intel's 130 watts, making it easier to cool and cheaper to run over time. The higher base and boost clocks (3.70 GHz and 4.00 GHz) also suggest better responsiveness in single-threaded tasks, although the Geekbench scores (1194 multicore, 462 singlecore) cannot be directly compared to the Intel's Cinebench results. The AMD chip's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i5-3360M (835, delta -0.8%), AMD PRO A10-8750B (821, delta 0.9%), Intel Xeon E5540 (820, delta 0.9%), and Intel Xeon X3450 (837, delta -1.1%), again showing a tight cluster around its 828 average.

In short, the i7-920 is the pick for heavy compute tasks that use many threads, while the A10 PRO-7850B is the pick for a compact, low-power build with no discrete graphics card. The Intel chip's 8 MB L3 cache and triple-channel memory also give it an edge in memory-bandwidth-sensitive applications, even if the raw numbers are not listed in the pack.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has better multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i7-920 has better multi-core performance in Cinebench tests, scoring 246 in R15, 1025 in R20, and 2442 in R23 multicore. The AMD A10 PRO-7850B has no Cinebench data, so its multi-core performance is only measured through Geekbench, where it scores 1194 multicore.

Q: Does the AMD A10 PRO-7850B have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the AMD A10 PRO-7850B includes integrated Radeon R7 graphics. The Intel Core i7-920 has no integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for any display output.

Q: Which processor has a higher clock speed?

A: The AMD A10 PRO-7850B has a higher base clock of 3.70 GHz and a boost clock of 4.00 GHz, compared to the Intel Core i7-920's base clock of 2.67 GHz and boost clock of 2.93 GHz.

Q: What are the thread counts of each processor?

A: The Intel Core i7-920 has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the AMD A10 PRO-7850B has 4 cores and 4 threads. The Intel chip uses hyper-threading, the AMD chip does not.

Q: Which processor has a lower TDP?

A: The AMD A10 PRO-7850B has a TDP of 95 watts, which is lower than the Intel Core i7-920's TDP of 130 watts.

Q: How do their memory buses differ?

A: The Intel Core i7-920 uses triple-channel DDR3 memory, while the AMD A10 PRO-7850B uses dual-channel DDR3 memory. The AMD chip has a specified memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s, while the Intel chip's bandwidth is not listed.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every key specification. The Intel Core i7-920 has 8 threads, the AMD A10 PRO-7850B has 4 threads. The Intel chip's base clock is 2.67 GHz and boost is 2.93 GHz, while the AMD chip runs at 3.70 GHz base and 4.00 GHz boost. The Intel TDP is 130 watts, the AMD TDP is 95 watts. The Intel uses Socket 1366, the AMD uses Socket FM2+. The Intel architecture is Nehalem (Bloomfield), the AMD is Steamroller (Kaveri). The Intel process node is 45 nm, the AMD is 28 nm. The Intel has 731 million transistors on a 263 mm² die, the AMD has 2,411 million transistors on a 245 mm² die.

Cache configurations are entirely different: the Intel has 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3; the AMD has 256 KB L1 total and 4 MB L2 total, with no L3. Memory support is DDR3 for both, but the Intel uses triple-channel, the AMD uses dual-channel, with the AMD specifying 34.1 GB/s bandwidth. PCIe versions differ: the Intel is Gen 2, the AMD is Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The AMD includes integrated Radeon R7 graphics, the Intel has none. The Intel supports ECC memory (false in the pack for both, so no difference there), and neither has an unlocked multiplier. Release dates are November 2008 for the Intel and July 2014 for the AMD. Both are end-of-life and target the desktop market segment.

The Verdict

The data dictates a straightforward choice based on workload. Pick the Intel Core i7-920 if you are running multi-threaded rendering or compute tasks that benefit from 8 threads and a large 8 MB L3 cache. Its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 2442 is strong evidence of its capability in such scenarios, and its triple-channel memory bus is a legacy advantage for bandwidth-hungry applications. The i7-920's average benchmark score of 840, with nearest rivals within 0.3% (Intel Xeon X5470, i5-3380M, i5-5200U), shows it holds its own against similarly aged parts.

Pick the AMD A10 PRO-7850B if you need a complete desktop solution without a discrete GPU. The integrated Radeon R7 graphics eliminate the need for a separate video card, and the lower 95-watt TDP makes it a more power-efficient choice. Its higher clocks (3.70 GHz base, 4.00 GHz boost) and 28 nm process give it a modern edge, and its Geekbench scores (1194 multicore, 462 singlecore) indicate balanced performance. The AMD chip's average benchmark score of 828 is close to the Intel's 840, and its nearest rivals (Intel Core i5-3360M, AMD PRO A10-8750B, Intel Xeon E5540, Intel Xeon X3450) are all within 1.1% delta, confirming its competitive position.

There is no universal winner here. The Intel part wins on raw multi-core throughput, the AMD part wins on integration and efficiency. For a builder with a dedicated GPU and a focus on rendering, the i7-920 is the data-backed choice. For a builder who wants a single-chip system with graphics and lower power draw, the A10 PRO-7850B is the logical pick. Both are end-of-life products, so platform availability will likely dictate the final decision.