AMD FX-8800P vs Intel Core i7-4500U Comparison

# Intel Core i7-4500U vs AMD FX-8800P: Benchmark Analysis

The Intel Core i7-4500U and AMD FX-8800P represent two distinct approaches to mobile computing. The Intel part is a dual-core Haswell-ULT design, while the AMD chip is a quad-core Excavator part. Benchmark data from the database reveals a clear split: the AMD FX-8800P takes the lead in multi-threaded workloads, while the Intel Core i7-4500U dominates single-threaded tests. A head-to-head comparison of their recorded scores shows the AMD part winning five of seven benchmark comparisons, with the Intel chip taking the remaining two. The average benchmark score for the Intel Core i7-4500U is 859, placing it in the 23rd percentile among all CPUs. Its nearest rival, the AMD A8-7650K, averages 860, a negligible 0.1% difference. The Intel Core i5-2500T sits 0.3% behind, and the Intel Xeon W3520 is 0.3% behind as well. The Intel Core i5-5250U trails by 0.4%. For the AMD FX-8800P, the average score is 843, which puts it in the 22nd percentile. Its closest competitor, the Intel Core i7-3520M, matches its score of 843 exactly. The Intel Core i7-920 averages 840, a 0.3% difference, and the Intel Xeon X5470 and Intel Core i5-3380M both sit 0.4% and 0.6% behind respectively.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most significant Intel win comes in the Geekbench multi-core test. Here the Core i7-4500U scores 1562 against 1234 for the FX-8800P. That is a 26.6% advantage. The single-core Geekbench test shows an even larger gap: the Core i7 scores 818, the FX-8800P scores 524, giving the Intel part a 56.1% lead.

The AMD FX-8800P counters in Cinebench tests. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the AMD chip scores 242 against 212 for the Intel part, a 12.4% lead. The Cinebench R20 multi-core test shows a 12.2% advantage for the FX-8800P, 1010 versus 887. In the Cinebench R20 single-core test, the AMD FX-8800P scores 142 against 125, which is a 12% difference.

For Cinebench R23 multi-core, the FX-8800P scores 2407 against 2113 for the Core i7-4500U, a 12.2% advantage. In the Cinebench R23 single-core test, the AMD FX-8800P scores 339 versus 298, leading by 12.1%.

The Intel Core i7-4500U takes the remaining wins. In the Geekbench multi-core test, the Core i7-4500U scores 1562 versus 1234 for the AMD FX-8800P, a 26.6% lead. The Geekbench single-core score is 818 versus 524, again a 56.1% lead for the Intel part.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different design philosophies. The Intel Core i7-4500U uses the Haswell architecture, built on a 22nm process. It packs 1,300 million transistors on a die that measures 118 mm². The codename is Haswell-ULT. The AMD FX-8800P, in contrast, uses the Excavator architecture on a 28nm process. It integrates 3,100 million transistors into a 250 mm² die. Its codename is Carrizo.

The Intel Core i7-4500U is a dual-core processor with four threads. The AMD FX-8800P is a quad-core processor with four threads. The Intel chip has a base clock of 1800.00 MHz and a boost clock of 3.00 GHz. The AMD part has a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost of 3.40 GHz.

Both are 15W parts, which means they target similar thermal envelopes. The Intel chip supports DDR3 memory, while the AMD FX-8800P also supports DDR3. The AMD FX-8800P features dual-channel memory with a bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. The Core i7-4500U includes the Intel HD 4400 integrated graphics. The AMD FX-8800P includes the Radeon R7 8CU integrated graphics.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD FX-8800P is the choice for multi-threaded applications. It wins all four multi-core Cinebench tests, including R15 multi-core (242 vs 212), R20 multi-core (1010 vs 887), R23 multi-core (2407 vs 2113). The AMD part also leads in the R20 single-core test, scoring 142 versus 125. The AMD FX-8800P is suitable for workloads that can leverage its four physical cores.

The Intel Core i7-4500U is the clear choice for single-threaded performance. It wins the Geekbench multi-core test with a score of 1562 versus 1234, and the Geekbench single-core test with 818 versus 524. The part is better suited for tasks that rely heavily on single-core performance, such as legacy software or lightly-threaded workloads.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is faster in multi-core tests?

A: The AMD FX-8800P wins every multi-core benchmark. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the AMD FX-8800P scores 242 against 212 for the Intel Core i7-4500U, a 12.4% lead. In Cinebench R20 multi-core, the FX-8800P scores 1010 versus 887, a 12.2% lead. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the FX-8800P scores 2407 versus 2113, a 12.2% lead. The AMD FX-8800P also wins the Cinebench R20 single-core test, 142 vs 125.

Q: Which processor is faster in single-core tests?

A: The Intel Core i7-4500U dominates in single-core tests. In Geekbench multi-core, the Core i7-4500U scores 1562 versus 1234, a 26.6% lead. In Geekbench single-core, the Core i7-4500U scores 818 versus 524, a 56.1% advantage.

Q: Are these CPUs in the same power class?

A: Yes, both have a 15W TDP, so they occupy the same power envelope.

Q: What integrated graphics do they have?

A: The Intel Core i7-4500U includes the Intel HD 4400. The AMD FX-8800P includes the Radeon R7 8CU.

Q: What memory types do they support?

A: Both support DDR3. The AMD FX-8800P also has dual-channel memory support.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i7-4500U | AMD FX-8800P |

|---|---|---|

| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4 |

| Base / Boost Clock | 1800.00 MHz / 3.00 GHz | 2.10 GHz / 3.40 GHz |

| Process / Transistors | 22 nm / 1,300 million | 28 nm / 3,100 million |

| Die Size | 118 mm² | 250 mm² |

| Architecture | Haswell | Excavator |

| Codename | Haswell-ULT | Carrizo |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1168 | AMD Socket FP4 |

| Memory Support | DDR3 | DDR3 |

| Memory Bus | (not specified) | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | (not specified) | 34.1 GB/s |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 4400 | Radeon R7 8CU |

| Release Date | 2013-06-03 | 2015-06-01 |

| Part Number | SR16Z | FM880PAAY43K |

The Verdict

Benchmark results show a clean split in workloads. The AMD FX-8800P is the pick for multi-threaded rendering and content creation, where its four physical cores produce consistent 12% to 13% leads in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests. It is also the faster chip in single-core R20, and it supports dual-channel memory and a larger 250mm² die.

The Intel Core i7-4500U is the better choice for single-threaded workloads. It has a 56.1% lead in Geekbench single-core and a 26.6% lead in Geekbench multi-core, which indicates a stronger per-core capability. Its two cores run at higher boost clocks, and it has the smaller 22nm process and 118mm² die.

For this pairing, the data is unambiguous: pick the AMD FX-8800P for multi-core, heavily-threaded applications. Choose the Intel Core i7-4500U if the priority is single-core performance or running older software that doesn't scale across many cores.