AMD A8-7650K vs Intel Core i7-930 Comparison

FAQ

Q: How does the AMD A8-7650K compare to the Intel Core i7-930 in multi-core rendering workloads?

A: The AMD A8-7650K wins every recorded multi-core rendering test. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 266 versus 258 for the Intel Core i7-930, a 3.1% advantage. In Cinebench R20 multi-core, the AMD scores 1111 versus 1076, a 3.3% difference. The Cinebench R23 multi-core result shows 2647 for the AMD and 2563 for the Intel, also 3.3% ahead.

Q: Which processor has the higher single-core performance?

A: The AMD A8-7650K leads in both recorded single-core tests. In Cinebench R20 single-core, it scores 156 versus 151 for the Intel Core i7-930, a 3.3% margin. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the AMD scores 373 versus 361, again a 3.3% advantage. The Intel part does not have a Geekbench single-core score in the database, while the AMD records 421.

Q: Do the two CPUs have the same core count, and does that affect the comparison?

A: Both have four physical cores. However, the Intel Core i7-930 supports eight threads thanks to Hyper-Threading, while the AMD A8-7650K runs four threads. Despite that threading advantage for Intel, the AMD still wins all five head-to-head benchmark tests in the database.

Q: What is the overall average benchmark score for each processor?

A: The AMD A8-7650K has an average benchmark score of 860, while the Intel Core i7-930 has an average of 882. Both processors sit at the 23rd percentile among all CPUs in the database. The Intel part is slightly higher on average, but the AMD wins every direct comparison test.

Q: How do their nearest rivals compare numerically?

A: For the AMD A8-7650K, the nearest rival is the Intel Core i7-4500U with an average score of 859, a 0.1% delta. The Intel Xeon W3520 scores 862, a -0.2% delta. The Intel Core i5-3470T scores 863, a -0.4% delta, and the Intel Core i5-2500T scores 856, a 0.4% delta. For the Intel Core i7-930, the AMD Athlon Silver 7120U scores 881, a 0.1% delta, the AMD Phenom II X6 1035T also scores 881, a 0.1% delta, the Intel Core i3-1000NG4 scores 881, a 0.1% delta, and the AMD PRO A12-8870E scores 880, a 0.2% delta.

Q: Which processor has a higher base clock, and what are the boost clocks?

A: The AMD A8-7650K has a base clock of 3.30 GHz and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz. The Intel Core i7-930 has a base clock of 2.80 GHz and a boost clock of 3.07 GHz. The AMD runs at a higher frequency in both states.

The Verdict

The recorded data presents a clear picture: the AMD A8-7650K wins all five head-to-head benchmark comparisons against the Intel Core i7-930. The margins are consistent, hovering around 3.1% to 3.3% across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23, in both single-core and multi-core tests. This is notable because the Intel part has eight threads versus four on the AMD, yet the AMD still edges ahead in multi-core workloads.

For a user prioritizing raw multi-threaded rendering performance in the Cinebench suite, the AMD A8-7650K is the stronger choice. It also leads in single-core tests, which can matter for lightly threaded applications. The Intel Core i7-930, however, has a higher average benchmark score across the entire database (882 versus 860), indicating that its overall profile in other workloads may be slightly stronger, even though the direct comparisons favor AMD.

The Intel part also offers triple-channel memory support, which could benefit memory-intensive tasks, but the database does not record a memory bandwidth figure for it. The AMD part has integrated graphics, which the Intel part lacks entirely. For a system without a discrete GPU, the AMD A8-7650K is functionally superior. For a system with a dedicated graphics card, the Intel part's extra threads and higher average score might be worth considering, but the benchmark evidence from direct comparisons favors the AMD.

The verdict is straightforward: choose the AMD A8-7650K if you rely on the tested Cinebench workloads or need integrated graphics. Choose the Intel Core i7-930 only if the higher average benchmark score or triple-channel memory configuration matters more than the direct head-to-head results.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data contains five tests, and the AMD A8-7650K wins every one. The smallest margin is in Cinebench R15 multi-core, where the AMD scores 266 and the Intel Core i7-930 scores 258, a 3.1% difference. The remaining four tests all show a 3.3% delta, which suggests a consistent performance gap that scales with workload.

In Cinebench R20 multi-core, the AMD scores 1111 versus 1076 for Intel. In Cinebench R20 single-core, the AMD scores 156 versus 151. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the AMD scores 2647 versus 2563. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the AMD scores 373 versus 361. The consistency of the 3.3% margin across R20 and R23, both single and multi-core, implies that the AMD's advantage is not workload-specific but rather a general per-clock efficiency or frequency advantage. The AMD's higher base and boost clocks (3.30/3.80 GHz versus 2.80/3.07 GHz) likely explain this.

The Intel Core i7-930 has no wins in any head-to-head test. Its best showing is the R15 multi-core test, where it trails by just 3.1%. The Intel part also lacks a Geekbench score in the head-to-head set, while the AMD has a multi-core score of 1048 and a single-core score of 421. Those Geekbench numbers are not compared directly, but they are recorded in the AMD's benchmark list.

The data suggests that the AMD A8-7650K, despite being a newer part (released in 2015 versus 2010 for Intel), delivers a modest but consistent performance advantage across the Cinebench suite. The Intel part's extra threads do not overcome the AMD's higher clock speeds and newer architecture.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications. The AMD A8-7650K has a base clock of 3.30 GHz and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz, while the Intel Core i7-930 has a base clock of 2.80 GHz and a boost clock of 3.07 GHz. The AMD runs faster in both states.

The AMD has a TDP of 95 watts, while the Intel has a TDP of 130 watts. The Intel part consumes more power, which is notable given its older 45 nm process node.

The sockets differ: the AMD uses AMD Socket FM2+, while the Intel uses Intel Socket 1366. These are not interchangeable.

The AMD has 4 threads, while the Intel has 8 threads. Both have 4 cores.

Memory support differs: both support DDR3, but the AMD uses dual-channel memory with a recorded bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s, while the Intel uses triple-channel memory with no recorded bandwidth figure. The Intel's triple-channel configuration could offer higher theoretical bandwidth, but the database does not provide a number.

PCIe support differs: the AMD has PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the Intel has PCIe Gen 2. The AMD's newer PCIe standard is a generational advantage.

The AMD has integrated graphics (Radeon R7), while the Intel has no integrated graphics. This is a major functional difference.

The AMD has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel does not. This means the AMD can be overclocked more easily, though the Intel's multiplier is locked.

The AMD was released in 2015, while the Intel was released in 2010. The AMD is also built on a 28 nm process at GlobalFoundries, while the Intel uses a 45 nm process at Intel. The AMD has 2,411 million transistors on a 245 mm² die, while the Intel has 731 million transistors on a 263 mm² die.

Architecture Differences

The AMD A8-7650K uses the Steamroller architecture, part of the Kaveri generation. The Intel Core i7-930 uses the Nehalem architecture, part of the Bloomfield generation. These are fundamentally different designs from different eras.

The process nodes highlight the generational gap: the AMD is built on a 28 nm node at GlobalFoundries, while the Intel uses a 45 nm node at Intel. The smaller node allows the AMD to pack 2,411 million transistors into a 245 mm² die, whereas the Intel fits 731 million transistors into a 263 mm² die. The AMD has more than three times the transistor count on a smaller die, which reflects the newer manufacturing process.

Cache configurations differ significantly. The AMD has 256 KB of L1 cache and 4 MB of L2 cache, with no L3 cache. The Intel has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 cache per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel's L3 cache is a substantial advantage for workloads that benefit from shared cache, but the AMD's larger L1 and L2 caches (when totaled across cores) may help in other scenarios.

The AMD's integrated graphics, a Radeon R7, is a feature absent on the Intel. This makes the AMD a complete solution for basic graphics output, while the Intel requires a discrete GPU.

The AMD supports PCIe Gen 3 with 16 CPU lanes, while the Intel supports PCIe Gen 2. The newer PCIe standard offers higher bandwidth for compatible devices.

Memory architecture also differs: the AMD uses dual-channel memory with a recorded bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s, while the Intel uses triple-channel memory with no recorded bandwidth. The Intel's triple-channel design could provide higher bandwidth, but no number is available to confirm that.

The AMD has an unlocked multiplier, which is a feature for overclocking. The Intel does not have this feature.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD A8-7650K wins in every head-to-head benchmark recorded in the database. That includes all Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 tests, both single-core and multi-core. The margins are 3.1% to 3.3%, which is a consistent, repeatable advantage. The AMD also has integrated graphics, which means it can power a display without a separate graphics card. Its unlocked multiplier and lower TDP (95 watts versus 130 watts) make it more attractive for systems where power consumption and overclocking flexibility matter. The AMD's 28 nm process and newer release date suggest it is a more modern design, and its PCIe Gen 3 support is a forward-looking feature.

The Intel Core i7-930 does not win any head-to-head test, but it has a higher average benchmark score across the entire database (882 versus 860). This suggests that in workloads not covered by the direct comparisons, the Intel may have strengths. Its eight threads versus four on the AMD could benefit heavily threaded applications beyond Cinebench, though the Cinebench multi-core tests did not show that advantage. The Intel's 8 MB of shared L3 cache is a significant resource that the AMD lacks entirely, which could help in workloads with large working sets. The Intel also supports triple-channel memory, which could provide higher memory bandwidth than the AMD's dual-channel 34.1 GB/s, though no number is recorded to confirm this.

In practical terms, the AMD A8-7650K is the better choice for the tested workloads, for systems needing integrated graphics, and for users who want an unlocked multiplier. The Intel Core i7-930 is the better choice only if the higher average benchmark score or the triple-channel memory configuration is a deciding factor, or if a workload benefits from the 8 MB L3 cache. The data, however, shows that the AMD wins every direct comparison, making it the default recommendation for anyone choosing between these two based on the recorded benchmarks.