CPU Comparison

The benchmark data presents a clear and consistent picture: the AMD Opteron 6380 outperforms the Intel Core i5-4670K across every single test in the head-to-head comparison. The Opteron wins all six benchmark comparisons, with the Intel processor trailing by a significant margin in both single-core and multi-core workloads. This is a decisive victory for the server-oriented AMD chip, which holds a consistent performance advantage of roughly 16% across all tested scenarios. The data shows a uniform performance gap, suggesting the Opteron’s architectural advantages translate into a steady lead rather than one that fluctuates by workload type.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking aspect of this comparison is the uniformity of the results. In the Cinebench R15 multicore test, the AMD Opteron 6380 scores 572 against the Intel Core i5-4670K’s 478, a difference of 16.4%. This pattern repeats almost identically in the single-core R15 test, where the Opteron scores 80 versus Intel’s 67, a 16.2% advantage. The consistency suggests the gap is rooted in fundamental architectural efficiency rather than any specific workload optimization.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the Opteron again leads with 2386 points versus 1995 for the Intel chip, maintaining that exact 16.4% delta. The single-core R20 result shows the same margin, with the AMD processor scoring 336 against Intel’s 281. This is notable because single-core performance is typically an area where Intel’s desktop processors excel, yet here the older server chip still manages a commanding lead.

The Cinebench R23 results continue the trend. In multicore, the Opteron scores 5683 while the i5-4670K manages 4751, a 16.4% gap. The single-core R23 test shows the Opteron at 802 versus 670 for Intel, which translates to a 16.5% delta, the largest margin in any test. Across all six benchmarks, the smallest advantage for the AMD chip is 16.2%, and the largest is 16.5%. This tight clustering of results indicates that the performance difference is consistent and not dependent on the specific rendering engine or workload characteristics.

When placed in context with the broader market, both processors sit at the 40th percentile among all CPUs. Their average benchmark scores are nearly identical as well, with the Intel chip averaging 1656 and the AMD chip averaging 1643. This places them in the same performance tier overall, despite the Opteron’s consistent head-to-head wins. The Intel processor’s nearest rivals include the Intel Xeon E-2124 with an average score of 1658 (a 0.1% difference), the AMD Ryzen 5 3550H at 1653 (0.2% ahead), and the Intel Core i7-4770HQ at 1660 (0.2% behind). The Opteron’s nearest rivals are similar, including the Intel Core i7-5700HQ at 1645 (0.1% behind) and the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G at 1640 (0.2% ahead). This suggests that while the Opteron wins this specific matchup, both processors compete in the same general performance bracket as modern mid-range chips.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Opteron 6380 has 16 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core i5-4670K has 4 cores and 4 threads. The Opteron offers four times the core count of the Intel chip.

Q: Does the Opteron’s higher core count explain its benchmark wins?

A: The data shows the Opteron wins all six benchmarks, including single-core tests, where core count is less relevant. In single-core Cinebench R23, the Opteron scores 802 versus 670 for Intel, an advantage that cannot be attributed solely to having more cores.

Q: What is the difference in their memory bandwidth capabilities?

A: The AMD Opteron 6380 supports quad-channel memory with a rated bandwidth of 59.7 GB/s. The Intel Core i5-4670K supports dual-channel memory, and no bandwidth figure is provided in the data.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The AMD Opteron 6380 supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core i5-4670K does not have ECC support listed in its specifications.

Q: What is the difference in their release dates?

A: The AMD Opteron 6380 was released on 2012-11-04, while the Intel Core i5-4670K was released on 2013-06-01. The AMD chip is approximately seven months older.

Q: Which processor has a higher base clock speed?

A: The Intel Core i5-4670K has a base clock of 3.40 GHz, which is higher than the AMD Opteron 6380’s base clock of 2.50 GHz. Despite this, the Opteron wins all benchmark comparisons.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous: the AMD Opteron 6380 is the superior performer in this direct comparison. It wins all six head-to-head benchmarks by margins between 16.2% and 16.5%. The Opteron’s performance lead holds in both single-core and multi-core workloads, which is unusual and indicates a broad architectural advantage. For any workload that depends on raw benchmark scores, the Opteron is the clear choice.

However, the Intel Core i5-4670K should not be dismissed entirely. Both processors sit at the 40th percentile among all CPUs, and their average benchmark scores are nearly identical: 1656 for Intel versus 1643 for AMD. This means the Intel chip is competitive with the Opteron’s performance tier when considering a wider range of benchmarks, even if it loses this specific set of Cinebench tests. The Intel processor also has a higher base clock of 3.40 GHz versus 2.50 GHz for the Opteron, which could be an advantage in workloads not captured by these benchmarks.

The decision ultimately depends on the use case. For server or workstation environments where the Opteron’s 16 cores, ECC memory support, and quad-channel bandwidth are valuable, the AMD chip is the logical pick. For a desktop system where the Intel chip’s unlocked multiplier and integrated graphics might be more relevant, the i5-4670K remains a viable option despite its benchmark losses.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every core specification. The Intel Core i5-4670K has 4 cores and 4 threads, while the AMD Opteron 6380 has 16 cores and 16 threads. The Intel chip has a base clock of 3.40 GHz and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz, compared to the Opteron’s 2.50 GHz base and 3.40 GHz boost. The thermal design power also differs significantly, with the Intel chip rated at 84 watts and the AMD chip at 115 watts.

Memory support differs as well. Both support DDR3, but the Intel chip uses a dual-channel memory bus while the AMD chip uses a quad-channel bus. The AMD chip has a rated memory bandwidth of 59.7 GB/s, while no such figure is provided for the Intel chip. ECC memory support is present only on the AMD Opteron. The Intel chip uses PCIe Gen 3, while the AMD chip uses PCIe Gen 2.

The Intel Core i5-4670K includes integrated graphics (Intel HD 4600) and has an unlocked multiplier, making it overclockable. The AMD Opteron 6380 has no integrated graphics and a locked multiplier. The Intel chip is designated for the desktop market segment, while the AMD chip is for server and workstation use. The AMD chip is listed as end-of-life in production status, while no such status is given for the Intel chip.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core i5-4670K is built on the Haswell architecture using a 22 nm process node, manufactured by Intel. It contains 1,400 million transistors on a die size of 177 mm². The AMD Opteron 6380 uses the Piledriver architecture (codename Abu Dhabi) on a 32 nm process node, manufactured by GlobalFoundries. It contains 2,400 million transistors spread across two dies, each measuring 315 mm².

The cache layouts differ substantially. The Intel chip has 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 cache per core, with 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD chip has 768 KB of total L1 cache and 2 MB of L2 cache per module, with 8 MB of L3 cache per die. The AMD chip’s cache structure is designed for its 16-core module-based architecture, while the Intel chip uses a more traditional per-core cache design.

The Intel chip uses the Intel Socket 1150, while the AMD chip uses the AMD Socket G34. The Intel architecture is from the Haswell generation of Core i5 processors, while the AMD chip belongs to the Opteron 6000 series with the Abu Dhabi codename. The Intel chip was released on 2013-06-01, while the AMD chip was released on 2012-11-04.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Opteron 6380 wins every benchmark in this comparison, making it the clear choice for performance-focused workloads. Its 16 cores and 16 threads provide substantial multi-threaded capability, which is reflected in its Cinebench multicore scores of 572 (R15), 2386 (R20), and 5683 (R23). The Opteron also wins single-core tests, scoring 80 (R15), 336 (R20), and 802 (R23), which suggests its architecture handles both parallel and sequential tasks effectively. The chip’s ECC memory support and quad-channel bandwidth make it suitable for server environments where data integrity and memory throughput are critical.

The Intel Core i5-4670K, despite losing all benchmarks, still has attributes that could make it preferable in certain scenarios. Its unlocked multiplier allows for overclocking, and its integrated graphics provide a display output without requiring a discrete GPU. The Intel chip’s lower TDP of 84 watts versus 115 watts for the AMD chip indicates it generates less heat, which could be an advantage in compact desktop builds. The Intel chip also uses PCIe Gen 3, which offers newer connectivity standards than the AMD chip’s PCIe Gen 2.

For a desktop user prioritizing overclocking, integrated graphics, and lower power consumption, the Intel Core i5-4670K has clear appeal despite its benchmark losses. For a server or workstation user prioritizing raw performance, ECC memory support, and high memory bandwidth, the AMD Opteron 6380 is the definitive winner. The benchmark data supports the Opteron in all performance metrics, but the Intel chip offers features that may be more valuable in specific desktop use cases.