AMD PRO A12-8870 vs Intel Core i5-4570T Comparison

The AMD PRO A12-8870 is the clear performance winner over the Intel Core i5-4570T in every benchmark recorded, though the margin is remarkably consistent. Across five Cinebench tests, the AMD part leads by roughly 15% in each instance, a uniform advantage that points to a fundamental architectural edge rather than a workload-specific quirk. The Intel chip does not win a single head-to-head benchmark, and both processors sit at the 31st percentile of all CPUs, making them closely matched in the broader landscape despite AMD's consistent superiority.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The AMD PRO A12-8870 wins all five recorded benchmarks, with the smallest margin being 15.1% and the largest 15.3%. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the AMD scores 324 against Intel's 275, a 15.1% deficit for the i5-4570T. This pattern repeats in Cinebench R20 multi-core, where AMD posts 1351 versus Intel's 1147 — again a 15.1% gap. The single-core tests tell the same story: in Cinebench R20 single-core, AMD leads 190 to 161, a 15.3% margin, and in Cinebench R23 single-core, AMD wins 454 to 385, a 15.2% advantage.

The most decisive result comes in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where the AMD reaches 3218 points while the Intel manages only 2732. That 486-point difference is the largest absolute gap in the dataset, though the percentage delta remains consistent at 15.1%. This consistency across both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads is notable; it suggests the AMD's advantage is not dependent on core count scaling but rather on per-thread efficiency and raw clock speed.

The average benchmark scores of the two CPUs are nearly identical — 1108 for Intel and 1107 for AMD — which places them as direct rivals in the aggregate. However, this aggregate figure masks the fact that the AMD wins every discrete test. The Intel's average is buoyed by its Geekbench results (2016 multi-core, 1042 single-core), which are not present in the AMD's benchmark set, while the AMD's average reflects only Cinebench scores. When comparing only the shared tests, the AMD's dominance is unequivocal.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different architectures. The Intel Core i5-4570T uses the Haswell architecture on a 22 nm process node, manufactured by Intel with 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die. The AMD PRO A12-8870 uses the Excavator architecture (codename Carrizo), built on a 28 nm process by GlobalFoundries, with 3,100 million transistors on a 250 mm² die. This means the AMD packs more than twice the transistor count on a substantially larger die, though on an older, less dense process node.

Core configuration differs significantly. The Intel is a dual-core processor with four threads (Hyper-Threading), while the AMD is a true quad-core with four threads. This gives the AMD two additional physical cores, which should theoretically benefit multi-threaded workloads, yet the benchmark data shows the AMD's advantage is just as pronounced in single-core tests. Clock speeds also favor the AMD: it runs at a 3.70 GHz base clock and boosts to 4.20 GHz, while the Intel runs at 2.90 GHz base and boosts to 3.60 GHz. The AMD's higher clocks across the board likely explain its consistent single-core wins.

Cache hierarchies diverge completely. The Intel has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD has 320 KB of L1 total, 2 MB of L2 total, and no L3 cache at all. Despite lacking L3, the AMD's larger L1 and higher clocks compensate in these benchmarks. Memory support also differs: the Intel uses DDR3 in dual-channel mode, while the AMD uses DDR4 with a rated memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. Both support PCIe Gen 3, and neither supports ECC memory.

Power characteristics are a major differentiator. The Intel has a 35 W TDP, while the AMD consumes 65 W — nearly double. This means the Intel delivers its performance at roughly half the power budget, a significant efficiency advantage. The integrated graphics also differ: Intel's HD 4600 versus AMD's Radeon R7, though no graphics benchmarks are available in the data. The Intel uses Socket 1150, while the AMD uses Socket AM4, and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD PRO A12-8870 wins across every benchmark category recorded, so its territory is essentially the entire test suite. It is faster in both multi-core and single-core Cinebench tests, making it the stronger choice for any workload that benefits from raw CPU throughput — rendering, encoding, or general multitasking. The AMD's 15% advantage in single-core tests is particularly important for lightly threaded applications like older games or legacy software, where clock speed matters more than core count.

The Intel Core i5-4570T's only clear win is in power consumption. Its 35 W TDP versus the AMD's 65 W TDP means it draws half the power, which translates to lower heat output and potentially smaller cooling requirements. For systems constrained by thermal envelope or energy costs, the Intel is the more practical option. The Intel also uses DDR3 memory, which may be cheaper or more available in certain upgrade paths, though this is not quantified in the data.

In terms of platform support, the AMD's use of Socket AM4 and DDR4 memory positions it on a more modern platform, while the Intel's Socket 1150 and DDR3 are older standards. The AMD also has a larger transistor count (3,100 million versus 1,400 million) and a bigger die (250 mm² versus 177 mm²), which may indicate more integrated functionality, though the practical impact is not directly measured. The Intel's smaller die and lower transistor count contribute to its efficiency advantage.

The Verdict

Pick the AMD PRO A12-8870 if you prioritize raw performance. It wins every benchmark in the comparison, with a consistent 15% lead in both single-core and multi-core tests. Its four physical cores, higher base and boost clocks, and DDR4 memory support make it the faster processor in every measurable way. The data shows no scenario where the Intel outperforms the AMD in computational tasks.

Pick the Intel Core i5-4570T if power efficiency is your primary constraint. Its 35 W TDP is less than half the AMD's 65 W TDP, which is a decisive advantage for compact builds, silent systems, or environments where heat dissipation is limited. The Intel also has a smaller die (177 mm² versus 250 mm²) and fewer transistors (1,400 million versus 3,100 million), which contributes to its lower power draw.

For most users, the AMD's 15% performance advantage across all benchmarks outweighs the Intel's efficiency lead. The AMD's higher clock speeds and additional cores provide a tangible improvement in real-world tasks, and its Socket AM4 platform offers more modern memory support. The Intel's only compelling case is extreme power-sensitive deployments, where the 30 W TDP difference could be critical.

FAQ

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

A: The AMD PRO A12-8870 wins all multi-core tests: Cinebench R15 (324 vs 275), R20 (1351 vs 1147), and R23 (3218 vs 2732), each by a 15.1% margin.

Q: Does the Intel chip win any benchmark?

A: No. The AMD PRO A12-8870 wins all five recorded head-to-head benchmarks, with the Intel i5-4570T losing every one by at least 15.1%.

Q: What is the difference in power consumption?

A: The Intel Core i5-4570T has a 35 W TDP, while the AMD PRO A12-8870 has a 65 W TDP. The Intel draws nearly half the power.

Q: Which CPU has more cores?

A: The AMD PRO A12-8870 has 4 physical cores, while the Intel Core i5-4570T has 2 physical cores with 4 threads via Hyper-Threading.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The Intel averages 1108 and the AMD averages 1107, making them statistically identical in aggregate scoring, despite the AMD winning every discrete test.

Q: What memory types do they support?

A: The Intel supports DDR3 in dual-channel mode, while the AMD supports DDR4 with a rated bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-4570T | AMD PRO A12-8870 |

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

| Cores | 2 | 4 |

| Threads | 4 | 4 |

| Base Clock | 2.90 GHz | 3.70 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.60 GHz | 4.20 GHz |

| TDP | 35 W | 65 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1150 | AMD Socket AM4 |

| Architecture | Haswell | Excavator |

| Process Node | 22 nm | 28 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | GlobalFoundries |

| Transistors | 1,400 million | 3,100 million |

| Die Size | 177 mm² | 250 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 64 KB (per core) | 320 KB |

| L2 Cache | 256 KB (per core) | 2 MB |

| L3 Cache | 4 MB (shared) | None |

| Memory Support | DDR3 | DDR4 |

| Memory Bandwidth | Not specified | 38.4 GB/s |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 4600 | Radeon R7 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | No |

| Production Status | Not specified | Active |

| Part Number | SR14R | AD887BAUM44AB |