AMD A8-7670K vs AMD A8-9600 Comparison

The AMD A8-7670K and AMD A8-9600 are both quad-core desktop processors from AMD, but they target different platforms and generations. The A8-7670K belongs to the Steamroller architecture on Socket FM2+, while the A8-9600 uses the Excavator architecture on Socket AM4. Benchmark data across five Cinebench tests shows a consistent, though narrow, advantage for the newer A8-9600. The recorded results indicate the A8-9600 wins all five head-to-head comparisons, with the largest margin being a 1.9 percent lead in multi-core workloads. This places the two chips in nearly identical performance territory, but the platform and feature differences are substantial.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench suite provides a clear picture of performance parity with a slight edge for the A8-9600. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the A8-7670K scores 276 points, while the A8-9600 scores 281 points. The difference is 1.8 percent, meaning the A8-9600 completes the render slightly faster. This pattern repeats in Cinebench R20 multi-core, where the A8-7670K records 1152 points against 1174 for the A8-9600, a 1.9 percent gap. The R23 multi-core test shows 2745 points for the A8-7670K and 2797 points for the A8-9600, again a 1.9 percent advantage for the newer chip.

Single-core results follow the same trend. In Cinebench R20 single-core, the A8-7670K scores 162 points, while the A8-9600 scores 165 points, a 1.8 percent difference. The R23 single-core test shows 387 points for the A8-7670K and 394 points for the A8-9600, also a 1.8 percent margin. Across all five recorded tests, the A8-9600 leads by either 1.8 or 1.9 percent. No test favors the A8-7670K.

These margins are small enough that they fall within typical run-to-run variance for Cinebench, but the consistency of the A8-9600's lead across every workload suggests a genuine, if modest, architectural advantage. The A8-9600's higher average benchmark score of 962 points, compared to 944 points for the A8-7670K, confirms this. The A8-9600 also sits in the 26th percentile of all CPUs, one point higher than the A8-7670K's 25th percentile.

Looking at nearest rivals, the A8-7670K's average score of 944 is nearly identical to the Intel Core i3-1110G4, which averages 945 points (a 0.1 percent difference). The AMD Athlon X4 860K scores 943 points, also a 0.1 percent difference. The A8-9600's average of 962 points places it close to the Intel Pentium Gold G5500T and Intel Core i3-4360T, both averaging 963 points (0.1 percent higher). The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1600 averages 958 points, which is 0.4 percent lower than the A8-9600. These comparisons show that both processors compete with similar low-end desktop and mobile parts, with the A8-9600 sitting slightly higher in the overall distribution.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher base clock speed?

A: The AMD A8-7670K has a base clock of 3.60 GHz, while the AMD A8-9600 has a base clock of 3.10 GHz. The A8-7670K is 0.50 GHz higher.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two processors?

A: The A8-7670K has a TDP of 95 watts, while the A8-9600 has a TDP of 65 watts. The A8-9600 consumes 30 watts less, making it the more power-efficient option.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory type?

A: No. The A8-7670K supports DDR3 memory with dual-channel configuration and a bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. The A8-9600 supports DDR4 memory with dual-channel configuration and a bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s.

Q: Which processor has a larger L2 cache?

A: The A8-7670K has 4 MB of L2 cache, while the A8-9600 has 2 MB of L2 cache. The A8-7670K offers double the L2 capacity.

Q: Are both processors unlocked for overclocking?

A: No. The A8-7670K has an unlocked multiplier, while the A8-9600 does not. Only the A8-7670K allows direct multiplier adjustment.

Q: Which processor has a higher Cinebench R23 multi-core score?

A: The A8-9600 scores 2797 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core, while the A8-7670K scores 2745 points. The A8-9600 is 1.9 percent ahead.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different AMD architecture generations. The A8-7670K uses Steamroller, codenamed Godaveri, while the A8-9600 uses Excavator, codenamed Bristol Ridge. Both are built on a 28 nm process at GlobalFoundries, but the transistor counts differ. The A8-7670K has 2,411 million transistors on a 245 mm² die, while the A8-9600 has 3,100 million transistors on a 250 mm² die. The A8-9600 packs about 29 percent more transistors into a slightly larger die, reflecting the Excavator design's additional complexity.

The cache hierarchy also differs. The A8-7670K has 256 KB of L1 cache and 4 MB of L2 cache. The A8-9600 has 320 KB of L1 cache and only 2 MB of L2 cache. This means the A8-7670K has double the L2 capacity, which can help in workloads that benefit from larger on-die storage, but the A8-9600 compensates with a slightly larger L1 and a newer memory controller.

Memory support is a major architectural split. The A8-7670K is paired with DDR3 memory, offering a peak bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. The A8-9600 moves to DDR4 memory, increasing peak bandwidth to 38.4 GB/s. This represents a 12.6 percent improvement in theoretical memory bandwidth, which may help in memory-sensitive applications despite the A8-9600's smaller L2 cache.

The integrated graphics on both are branded Radeon R7, but the underlying GPU architecture is tied to the respective CPU generation. Neither processor lists a specific GPU core count or clock in the database, so the comparison is limited to the shared Radeon R7 branding.

The A8-7670K has a PCIe implementation of Gen 3 with 16 lanes available to the CPU, while the A8-9600 provides Gen 3 with only 8 lanes. For systems with multiple discrete GPUs or high-bandwidth NVMe drives, the A8-7670K offers more PCIe capacity from the CPU. The A8-9600's reduced lane count reflects its lower power envelope and newer platform design.

Socket compatibility also separates the two. The A8-7670K uses AMD Socket FM2+, while the A8-9600 uses AMD Socket AM4. This means they are not interchangeable in existing motherboards. The AM4 socket is the newer standard and provides a path to other AMD processors, while FM2+ is limited to the Godaveri family.

Specification Differences

The following fields differ between the two processors according to the recorded data:

• Base clock: 3.60 GHz (A8-7670K) versus 3.10 GHz (A8-9600)
• Boost clock: 3.90 GHz (A8-7670K) versus 3.40 GHz (A8-9600)
• TDP: 95 W (A8-7670K) versus 65 W (A8-9600)
• Socket: Socket FM2+ (A8-7670K) versus Socket AM4 (A8-9600)
• Architecture: Steamroller (A8-7670K) versus Excavator (A8-9600)
• Codename: Godaveri (A8-7670K) versus Bristol Ridge (A8-9600)
• Transistor count: 2,411 million (A8-7670K) versus 3,100 million (A8-9600)
• Die size: 245 mm² (A8-7670K) versus 250 mm² (A8-9600)
• L1 cache: 256 KB (A8-7670K) versus 320 KB (A8-9600)
• L2 cache: 4 MB (A8-7670K) versus 2 MB (A8-9600)
• Memory support: DDR3 (A8-7670K) versus DDR4 (A8-9600)
• Memory bandwidth: 34.1 GB/s (A8-7670K) versus 38.4 GB/s (A8-9600)
• PCIe lanes (CPU): 16 (A8-7670K) versus 8 (A8-9600)
• Multiplier unlocked: Yes (A8-7670K) versus No (A8-9600)
• Production status: End-of-life (A8-7670K) versus Active (A8-9600)
• Release date: 2015-07-19 (A8-7670K) versus 2017-07-26 (A8-9600)

The A8-7670K has higher clocks, more L2 cache, more PCIe lanes, and an unlocked multiplier. The A8-9600 has a lower TDP, DDR4 support, higher memory bandwidth, more transistors, and remains in active production.

The Verdict

The benchmark data shows the AMD A8-9600 as the faster processor in every recorded Cinebench test, but the margins are narrow. A 1.8 to 1.9 percent advantage across single-core and multi-core workloads means the A8-9600 is the better choice for raw performance, yet the difference is unlikely to be noticeable in everyday use. The A8-9600's average benchmark score of 962 points versus 944 points for the A8-7670K reinforces this edge, as does its higher 26th percentile placement against all CPUs.

System builders should consider the A8-9600 if they prioritize lower power consumption and a modern platform. Its 65 watt TDP is significantly lower than the A8-7670K's 95 watt TDP, and the DDR4 memory support provides higher bandwidth at 38.4 GB/s. The AM4 socket also offers a more current upgrade path, and the processor remains in active production.

The A8-7670K makes sense for users who already own an FM2+ motherboard or who value overclocking. Its unlocked multiplier allows manual frequency adjustment, which can offset the small performance deficit in the stock data. The larger 4 MB L2 cache and 16 PCIe lanes are also advantages for specific workloads, such as those that repeatedly access cached data or require more expansion bandwidth.

For a new build, the data favors the A8-9600. It wins all five benchmark comparisons, consumes less power, supports faster memory, and is still available. The A8-7670K is end-of-life and locked to a legacy socket. Neither processor delivers strong multi-core performance by modern standards, as both sit below the 30th percentile of all CPUs, but the A8-9600 is the more sensible pick based on the recorded measurements and platform longevity.