AMD A8-6600K vs Intel Core i3-3250T Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark comparison between the Intel Core i3-3250T and the AMD A8-6600K is not a direct one-to-one contest, as the two processors were measured under different benchmark suites. The Intel Core i3-3250T was evaluated with Cinebench workloads, while the AMD A8-6600K was tested with Geekbench workloads. This means a single shared metric does not exist in the database for a direct head-to-head score comparison. However, the recorded average benchmark scores and percentile placements allow for a meaningful comparative analysis.

The Intel Core i3-3250T holds an average benchmark score of 775, placing it in the 21st percentile of all CPUs in the database. The AMD A8-6600K records an average benchmark score of 764, placing it in the 20th percentile. The difference between these two average scores is a mere 11 points, which translates to a performance gap of approximately 1.4% in favor of the Intel part. This is a narrow margin, and the percentile rankings reflect that closeness, with the Intel chip sitting just one percentile point above the AMD chip.

Looking at the Intel Core i3-3250T's nearest rivals in the database, its average score of 775 exactly matches the Intel Celeron G5920, which also scores 775, showing a delta of 0%. The Intel Pentium Silver J5005 comes in at 776, a delta of -0.1%, meaning the Pentium Silver is marginally ahead. The AMD Athlon X4 760K scores 777, a delta of -0.2%, again slightly ahead of the i3-3250T. The Intel Core i7-3687U scores 773, a delta of 0.3%, putting the i3-3250T slightly ahead of that mobile chip. These figures indicate that the i3-3250T sits in a tightly packed cluster of processors, all within a few points of each other.

For the AMD A8-6600K, the nearest rivals reveal a similar clustering. The Intel Core i7-3537U scores 766, a delta of -0.3% relative to the A8-6600K, meaning the AMD chip is slightly ahead. The Intel Core i3-3240 scores 761, a delta of 0.5%, placing the A8-6600K ahead of that chip by roughly half a percent. The Intel Core i5-3210M scores 758, a delta of 0.8%, widening the AMD chip's lead slightly. The Intel Core i3-5020U scores 757, a delta of 0.9%, the largest lead for the A8-6600K within its nearest rival group. These numbers suggest the A8-6600K is competitive with a range of Intel dual-core parts, both desktop and mobile, despite its lower overall percentile ranking.

The Cinebench results for the Intel Core i3-3250T are worth examining in detail. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the chip scores 226. In Cinebench R20 multicore, it scores 945, and in Cinebench R20 singlecore, it scores 133. The Cinebench R23 results show a multicore score of 2252 and a singlecore score of 318. These scores demonstrate a processor that is clearly oriented toward modest multithreaded throughput, with singlecore performance trailing behind its multicore output, as expected for a dual-core, four-thread part.

The Geekbench results for the AMD A8-6600K show a multicore score of 1076 and a singlecore score of 451. The singlecore score is notably higher in proportion to the multicore score, which is typical for a quad-core processor without simultaneous multithreading, as the scaling from single to multicore is limited by the lack of extra threads beyond the physical cores.

The Verdict

The data shows two processors that are closely matched in overall average benchmark score, with the Intel Core i3-3250T holding a 775 average versus the AMD A8-6600K's 764 average. The Intel chip finishes in the 21st percentile of all CPUs, while the AMD chip sits in the 20th percentile. This is a statistical near-tie, and the choice between them should be driven by the specific workload characteristics rather than overall score alone.

For users prioritizing single-threaded performance, the AMD A8-6600K has the stronger recorded result, with a Geekbench singlecore score of 451. The Intel Core i3-3250T's Cinebench R23 singlecore score of 318 cannot be directly compared to the Geekbench number, but the relative shape of the AMD chip's scores, with a multicore score of 1076 and a singlecore score of 451, indicates that it handles lightly threaded tasks well. The Intel chip's singlecore Cinebench R23 score of 318, against its multicore score of 2252, shows a larger proportional gap between single and multi-threaded performance, suggesting the AMD chip is comparatively stronger when only one or two cores are active.

For multithreaded workloads, the AMD A8-6600K offers four physical cores versus the Intel chip's two cores and four threads. The AMD chip's Geekbench multicore score of 1076, paired with its 29.9 GB/s memory bandwidth, suggests it can keep four cores adequately fed. The Intel chip's Cinebench R23 multicore score of 2252 is a strong result for a dual-core part, but the benchmark suites differ, so a direct comparison is not possible.

The power envelope is a major differentiator. The Intel Core i3-3250T operates at a TDP of 35 watts, while the AMD A8-6600K operates at a TDP of 100 watts. This is a substantial difference. The Intel chip draws less than half the power of the AMD chip, making it the clear choice for systems where thermal output and energy consumption are primary concerns. The AMD chip's higher TDP reflects its higher base clock of 3.90 GHz and boost clock of 4.20 GHz, compared to the Intel chip's fixed 3.00 GHz base clock with no boost capability.

The integrated graphics also differ. The Intel Core i3-3250T includes Intel HD 2500, while the AMD A8-6600K includes Radeon HD 8570D. The database does not provide graphics benchmark scores for either chip, so a direct performance comparison of the integrated GPUs is not possible from the recorded data.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i3-3250T has an average benchmark score of 775, while the AMD A8-6600K has an average benchmark score of 764.

Q: How do the two chips compare in percentile ranking?

A: The Intel Core i3-3250T sits in the 21st percentile of all CPUs, and the AMD A8-6600K sits in the 20th percentile.

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

A: The Intel Core i3-3250T has 2 cores and 4 threads, while the AMD A8-6600K has 4 cores and 4 threads.

Q: Which processor has a higher clock speed?

A: The AMD A8-6600K has a base clock of 3.90 GHz and a boost clock of 4.20 GHz, while the Intel Core i3-3250T has a base clock of 3.00 GHz and no boost clock.

Q: What is the TDP of each processor?

A: The Intel Core i3-3250T has a TDP of 35 watts, and the AMD A8-6600K has a TDP of 100 watts.

Q: Which processor is unlocked for overclocking?

A: The AMD A8-6600K has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel Core i3-3250T does not.

Specification Differences

The Intel Core i3-3250T and the AMD A8-6600K differ across nearly every core specification. The Intel chip has 2 cores and 4 threads, while the AMD chip has 4 cores and 4 threads. The base clock of the Intel chip is 3.00 GHz with no boost clock, while the AMD chip has a base clock of 3.90 GHz and a boost clock of 4.20 GHz. The TDP of the Intel chip is 35 watts, compared to 100 watts for the AMD chip.

The sockets are incompatible. The Intel chip uses Intel Socket 1155, while the AMD chip uses AMD Socket FM2. The memory support is the same generation, DDR3, and both use a dual-channel memory bus, but the memory bandwidth differs: the Intel chip records 25.6 GB/s, while the AMD chip records 29.9 GB/s. Neither chip supports ECC memory.

The PCIe support differs. The Intel chip uses Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the AMD chip uses Gen 2 without a lane count specified. The integrated graphics differ as well: the Intel chip includes Intel HD 2500, and the AMD chip includes Radeon HD 8570D. The multiplier is locked on the Intel chip and unlocked on the AMD chip.

The release dates are close, with the AMD chip released on 2013-05-31 and the Intel chip released on 2013-06-08. Both are end-of-life products. Neither chip has a recorded launch MSRP in the database.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different architectures. The Intel Core i3-3250T uses the Ivy Bridge architecture, built on a 22 nm process node at Intel's foundry. The die size is 94 mm². The AMD A8-6600K uses the Piledriver architecture, specifically the Richland codename, built on a 32 nm process node at GlobalFoundries. The die size is 246 mm², and the transistor count is recorded as 1,303 million.

The cache layouts are quite different. The Intel chip has an L1 cache of 64 KB per core, an L2 cache of 256 KB per core, and an L3 cache of 3 MB shared. The AMD chip has a single L1 cache figure of 192 KB, an L2 cache of 4 MB, and no L3 cache listed. This means the Intel chip relies on a shared L3 cache, while the AMD chip uses a larger L2 cache without a third-level cache.

The process node difference is significant. The Intel chip's 22 nm process is smaller than the AMD chip's 32 nm process, which contributes to the Intel chip's much lower TDP of 35 watts versus 100 watts. The Intel chip is built by Intel, while the AMD chip is built by GlobalFoundries.

The integrated graphics architectures differ as well, with the Intel chip featuring Intel HD 2500 and the AMD chip featuring Radeon HD 8570D. The memory bandwidth is higher on the AMD chip at 29.9 GB/s versus 25.6 GB/s on the Intel chip. The AMD chip supports PCIe Gen 2, while the Intel chip supports PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD A8-6600K wins in scenarios that benefit from four physical cores and higher clock speeds. Its base clock of 3.90 GHz and boost clock of 4.20 GHz are substantially higher than the Intel chip's fixed 3.00 GHz. The Geekbench singlecore score of 451 indicates strong single-threaded performance, and the multicore score of 1076 shows that the four cores scale reasonably well. The larger 4 MB L2 cache and higher memory bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s also favor the AMD chip in memory-intensive workloads. The unlocked multiplier is an advantage for users who intend to overclock, as the Intel chip's multiplier is locked.

The Intel Core i3-3250T wins in efficiency-focused scenarios. Its TDP of 35 watts is less than half that of the AMD chip's 100 watts, making it the better choice for compact systems, low-noise builds, or any environment where heat dissipation and power draw are priorities. The 22 nm process node and smaller die size of 94 mm² contribute to this efficiency. The Intel chip's Cinebench R23 multicore score of 2252, achieved with only two cores and four threads, shows that its architecture extracts strong multithreaded performance per watt. The PCIe Gen 3 support is also a point in its favor for systems using modern expansion cards.

For general desktop use, the AMD A8-6600K is the more capable processor on paper, given its four cores, higher clocks, and higher memory bandwidth. The Intel Core i3-3250T is the more restrained option, offering competitive average benchmark scores within a fraction of a percent of the AMD chip while drawing far less power. The database shows a 21st percentile placement for the Intel chip and a 20th percentile placement for the AMD chip, confirming that in overall terms, these are nearly equivalent performers with very different power and feature profiles.