AMD A8-7650K vs Intel Xeon X5470 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data in the database shows a clear, consistent margin of victory for the AMD A8-7650K across all five recorded head-to-head tests. The Intel Xeon X5470 does not secure a single win in any of the Cinebench workloads, with the AMD part leading by margins that remain remarkably stable between 8.3% and 8.6%.

In the Cinebench R15 multi-core test, the AMD A8-7650K scores 266 against the Xeon X5470’s 245, a delta of 8.6%. This is the largest percentage gap in the entire comparison. The R20 multi-core test shows a very similar story: 1111 for the AMD part versus 1024 for the Intel part, a delta of 8.5%. The single-core R20 test narrows the gap slightly, with the AMD part scoring 156 and the Intel part scoring 144, a delta of 8.3%.

The most recent Cinebench R23 results reinforce the pattern. In the multi-core test, the A8-7650K posts 2647 points, while the X5470 manages 2440, a delta of 8.5%. The single-core R23 test sees the AMD part score 373 versus 344 for the Intel part, a delta of 8.4%. Across every workload, the performance gap is consistent, falling in the same narrow band. This uniformity suggests that the advantage is not workload-specific but rather a general throughput difference that applies equally to single-threaded and multi-threaded tasks.

When placed in the broader database context, both processors sit in the lower quartile of all CPUs, with the A8-7650K at the 23rd percentile and the X5470 at the 22nd percentile. The average benchmark score for the AMD part is 860, while the Intel part averages 839. These figures place the A8-7650K in close proximity to the Intel Core i7-4500U (average score 859, delta 0.1%) and the Intel Xeon W3520 (average score 862, delta -0.2%). The X5470, meanwhile, sits near the Intel Core i5-3380M (average score 838, delta 0.1%) and the Intel Core i7-920 (average score 840, delta -0.1%). The data indicates that while both parts are entry-level performers by modern standards, the AMD A8-7650K holds a measurable edge over the older Xeon in every recorded benchmark.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins more benchmark tests?

A: The AMD A8-7650K wins all five recorded head-to-head benchmarks. The Intel Xeon X5470 does not win any of the five tests.

Q: What is the largest performance gap between the two?

A: The largest gap is in the Cinebench R15 multi-core test, where the AMD A8-7650K leads by 8.6% (266 versus 245).

Q: How do the two compare in single-core performance?

A: The AMD A8-7650K leads in both single-core tests. In Cinebench R20 single-core, it scores 156 versus 144, a delta of 8.3%. In Cinebench R23 single-core, it scores 373 versus 344, a delta of 8.4%.

Q: Do the processors have similar average benchmark scores?

A: The recorded average benchmark scores are close but not identical. The AMD A8-7650K averages 860, while the Intel Xeon X5470 averages 839, a difference of 21 points.

Q: Which processor has a higher percentile ranking?

A: The AMD A8-7650K ranks at the 23rd percentile among all CPUs, while the Intel Xeon X5470 ranks at the 22nd percentile.

Q: Is the performance difference consistent across all tested workloads?

A: Yes, the delta percentages are tightly clustered, ranging from 8.3% to 8.6%. This indicates a uniform performance advantage for the AMD part across both single-core and multi-core tasks.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent fundamentally different eras and design philosophies. The AMD A8-7650K is built on the Steamroller architecture, codenamed Kaveri, and manufactured by GlobalFoundries on a 28 nm process. It contains 2,411 million transistors on a die size of 245 mm². The Intel Xeon X5470, in contrast, is based on the Core 2 architecture, codenamed Harpertown, and manufactured by Intel on a 45 nm process. It contains 820 million transistors spread across two dies, each measuring 107 mm², for a combined die area of 214 mm².

The cache hierarchies differ significantly. The AMD part has a 256 KB L1 cache and a 4 MB L2 cache. The Intel part lists its L1 cache as 64 KB per core, and its L2 cache as 6 MB per die. Neither processor has an L3 cache. The memory controller support also differs. The A8-7650K supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. The X5470 supports DDR2 or DDR3 memory depending on the motherboard, also in a dual-channel configuration, but the database does not record a memory bandwidth figure for it.

One of the most significant differences is the integrated graphics. The AMD A8-7650K includes a Radeon R7 integrated GPU, making it a complete APU solution. The Intel Xeon X5470 has no integrated graphics at all, reflecting its server and workstation market segment. The PCIe support also differs: the AMD part uses Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the Intel part uses Gen 2. The X5470 supports ECC memory, while the A8-7650K does not. The AMD part features an unlocked multiplier, whereas the Intel part is locked.

The Verdict

Based strictly on the recorded benchmark data, the AMD A8-7650K is the better performer. It wins all five head-to-head tests with a consistent margin of roughly 8% to 9%. The data also shows that the AMD part has a slightly higher average benchmark score (860 versus 839) and a higher percentile ranking (23rd versus 22nd). For users prioritizing raw compute performance in the tested Cinebench workloads, the A8-7650K is the clear choice.

However, the Intel Xeon X5470 retains relevance in specific contexts. Its support for ECC memory is a feature the AMD part lacks entirely. The Xeon also carries a launch MSRP of $1386, a figure that reflects its original positioning as a server and workstation part. The A8-7650K has no recorded launch MSRP. For workloads that require ECC memory or that target the Socket 771 platform, the X5470 remains a viable option despite its lower benchmark scores.

The choice between these two parts ultimately depends on platform requirements and feature needs. On raw performance, the AMD A8-7650K wins every recorded test. On feature support, specifically ECC memory and server-grade platform compatibility, the Intel Xeon X5470 has its own advantages.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specification fields. The AMD A8-7650K has a base clock of 3.30 GHz and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz, while the Intel Xeon X5470 has a base clock of 3.33 GHz and no recorded boost clock. The thermal design power differs substantially: the AMD part is rated at 95 watts, while the Intel part is rated at 120 watts. The sockets are incompatible: the AMD part uses AMD Socket FM2+, while the Intel part uses Intel Socket 771.

The process node and foundry differ, with the AMD part on 28 nm from GlobalFoundries and the Intel part on 45 nm from Intel. Transistor counts and die sizes also differ, as detailed in the architecture section. The memory support differs in both type and ECC capability. The AMD part supports DDR3 with dual-channel memory and 34.1 GB/s bandwidth, while the Intel part supports DDR2 or DDR3 depending on the motherboard, also dual-channel, with no recorded bandwidth. The AMD part does not support ECC memory; the Intel part does.

The PCIe generations differ, with the AMD part supporting Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only) and the Intel part supporting Gen 2. The AMD part includes Radeon R7 integrated graphics; the Intel part has none. The market segments differ, with the AMD part classified as Desktop and the Intel part as Server/Workstation. The AMD part has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel part is locked. The release dates differ by over six years, with the Intel part launching in 2008 and the AMD part in 2015.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD A8-7650K wins in all measured performance categories. The five head-to-head benchmark tests, covering both single-core and multi-core Cinebench workloads, all favor the AMD part. For users running Cinebench or similar rendering and compute workloads, the A8-7650K provides a consistent performance advantage of approximately 8% to 9%. Its unlocked multiplier also offers overclocking potential that the locked Xeon does not provide. The integrated Radeon R7 graphics mean the AMD part can handle display output and basic graphics tasks without a separate GPU, a capability the Xeon completely lacks.

The Intel Xeon X5470 wins in specific feature and platform scenarios. Its ECC memory support is a critical requirement for certain server and workstation applications where data integrity is paramount. The Xeon also targets the Socket 771 platform, which may be relevant for users with existing motherboards or systems designed for that socket. The Xeon’s support for DDR2 memory, in addition to DDR3 depending on the motherboard, offers flexibility for legacy memory configurations. Its server and workstation market segment classification indicates it was designed for sustained, reliable operation in professional environments, though the database does not provide specific reliability metrics.

In summary, the benchmark data favors the AMD A8-7650K for performance. The Intel Xeon X5470 is the better choice only when platform compatibility, ECC memory support, or legacy server features are the primary considerations.