AMD PRO A12-8870E vs AMD PRO A8-8650B Comparison

The AMD PRO A8-8650B and AMD PRO A12-8870E are two quad-core desktop processors from AMD, separated by a generation of architecture and aimed at distinctly different power envelopes. The benchmark data shows a consistent, if narrow, performance advantage for the older A8-8650B across every single test, despite the A12-8870E being built on a newer design. This analysis breaks down the head-to-head results, the architectural reasons behind them, and the specific use-case scenarios where each processor holds an edge.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results are unambiguous: the AMD PRO A8-8650B wins all five head-to-head comparisons, with a performance margin that is remarkably consistent across different workloads. In the Cinebench R15 multi-core test, the A8-8650B scores 275 points against the A12-8870E's 257 points, a 7% advantage. This pattern repeats in the more demanding Cinebench R20 multi-core test, where the A8-8650B's 1148 score beats the A12-8870E's 1074 by 6.9%.

Single-threaded performance tells the same story. The A8-8650B posts a Cinebench R20 single-core score of 162, which is 7.3% higher than the A12-8870E's 151. In the latest Cinebench R23 tests, the A8-8650B maintains its edge, scoring 2734 in multi-core and 386 in single-core, compared to 2558 and 361 for the A12-8870E respectively. Each of these R23 results represents a 6.9% lead for the A8-8650B.

The consistency of these deltas is notable. Whether the workload is single-threaded or multi-threaded, the A8-8650B holds a roughly 7% performance advantage. This suggests a fundamental clock-speed and IPC relationship rather than any workload-specific optimization. The data also includes Geekbench results for the A8-8650B, with a multi-core score of 1060 and a single-core score of 441, though no comparable Geekbench scores are available for the A12-8870E in this data set.

Looking at the broader competitive landscape, both processors sit in a similar performance tier. The A8-8650B has an average benchmark score of 887, placing it in the 24th percentile of all CPUs. Its nearest rival is the Intel Pentium G4560T with an identical score of 887 and a 0% delta. The A12-8870E's average score is 880, putting it in the 23rd percentile, with its closest competitor being the AMD Ryzen 3 2300U at an identical 880 score. The performance gap between the two AMD processors is real but small enough that they compete against the exact same class of rival hardware.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent different generations of AMD's modular core designs, and the architectural differences explain much of the benchmark behavior. The A8-8650B is based on the Steamroller architecture (codenamed Godaveri), while the A12-8870E uses the newer Excavator architecture (codenamed Carrizo). Both are manufactured on a 28 nm process at GlobalFoundries, but the transistor counts and die sizes differ significantly.

The Excavator-based A12-8870E packs 3,100 million transistors on a 250 mm² die, while the Steamroller-based A8-8650B has 2,411 million transistors on a slightly smaller 245 mm² die. This means the A12-8870E has roughly 29% more transistors, but the benchmark results show this additional complexity does not translate into higher performance.

Cache configurations are notably different. The A8-8650B has a larger L2 cache at 4 MB, while the A12-8870E is limited to 2 MB. However, the A12-8870E has a larger L1 cache at 320 KB compared to 256 KB on the A8-8650B. Neither processor has an L3 cache. Clock speeds also favor the A8-8650B, which runs at a 3.20 GHz base clock and 3.90 GHz boost, compared to the A12-8870E's 2.90 GHz base and 3.70 GHz boost.

The memory interfaces differ substantially. The A8-8650B supports DDR3 memory with a dual-channel bus and a theoretical bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. The A12-8870E moves to DDR4 memory, also dual-channel, but with a higher theoretical bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. This gives the A12-8870E a memory bandwidth advantage of approximately 12.6%, which could benefit memory-sensitive workloads even if raw compute performance is lower.

Socket compatibility is another major differentiator. The A8-8650B uses the AMD Socket FM2+, while the A12-8870E uses the newer AMD Socket AM4. The PCIe implementation also differs: the A8-8650B has Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the A12-8870E specification lists simply "Gen 3" without a lane count in the data. Both processors integrate Radeon R7 graphics and neither supports ECC memory. The A8-8650B is marked as end-of-life production status, while the A12-8870E remains active.

Where Each One Wins

The performance data creates a clear, though counterintuitive, split. The A8-8650B wins in every benchmark category, making it the superior choice for raw compute performance. Its advantage in both single-threaded and multi-threaded Cinebench tests suggests it will handle general productivity tasks, content creation workloads, and older applications better than the A12-8870E. The 7% delta is consistent and meaningful, especially for users running CPU-bound applications that rely on sustained multi-core performance.

The A12-8870E's wins are not in the benchmark scores but in operational characteristics. Its 35 W TDP is dramatically lower than the A8-8650B's 65 W TDP. This represents a 46% reduction in thermal design power, making the A12-8870E substantially more energy-efficient. For small-form-factor systems, fanless designs, or environments where heat dissipation and power consumption are primary concerns, the A12-8870E is clearly the better fit despite its lower performance.

The A12-8870E also benefits from newer platform support. The AM4 socket is a more modern platform compared to FM2+, offering better upgrade paths and broader motherboard availability. Its DDR4 memory support provides higher theoretical bandwidth at 38.4 GB/s versus 34.1 GB/s, which could make it preferable for memory-intensive tasks like integrated graphics workloads or data-heavy applications where the extra bandwidth can partially offset the compute deficit.

The A8-8650B's larger 4 MB L2 cache compared to 2 MB on the A12-8870E likely contributes to its performance advantage, particularly in workloads with moderate data sets that fit within the cache hierarchy. Its higher clock speeds, both base and boost, are the most direct explanation for the consistent single-threaded performance lead.

FAQ

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

A: The AMD PRO A8-8650B is consistently faster. It scores 275 in Cinebench R15 multi-core versus 257 for the A12-8870E, a 7% advantage. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 2734 versus 2558, again a 6.9% lead.

Q: Is the newer AMD PRO A12-8870E more power-efficient?

A: Yes, significantly. The A12-8870E has a TDP of 35 W compared to 65 W for the A8-8650B. This is a 46% reduction in thermal design power, making the A12-8870E much better suited for power-constrained or low-noise systems.

Q: Do these processors support the same memory type?

A: No. The A8-8650B supports DDR3 memory with 34.1 GB/s bandwidth, while the A12-8870E supports DDR4 memory with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth. Both use a dual-channel memory bus.

Q: What is the difference in their socket compatibility?

A: The A8-8650B uses the AMD Socket FM2+, while the A12-8870E uses the AMD Socket AM4. These are not interchangeable, so motherboard choice is dictated by the processor.

Q: How do these processors compare to their nearest rivals?

A: The A8-8650B's average benchmark score is 887, matching the Intel Pentium G4560T exactly (0% delta). The A12-8870E's average score is 880, matching the AMD Ryzen 3 2300U exactly (0% delta). Both sit in the 23rd-24th percentile of all CPUs.

Q: Which processor has a larger cache?

A: The A8-8650B has 4 MB of L2 cache and 256 KB of L1 cache. The A12-8870E has 2 MB of L2 cache and 320 KB of L1 cache. Neither has an L3 cache.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD PRO A8-8650B | AMD PRO A12-8870E |

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

| Base Clock | 3.20 GHz | 2.90 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.90 GHz | 3.70 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 35 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket FM2+ | AMD Socket AM4 |

| Architecture | Steamroller | Excavator |

| Codename | Godaveri | Carrizo |

| Transistors | 2,411 million | 3,100 million |

| Die Size | 245 mm² | 250 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 256 KB | 320 KB |

| L2 Cache | 4 MB | 2 MB |

| Memory Support | DDR3 | DDR4 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 34.1 GB/s | 38.4 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3 |

| Production Status | End-of-life | Active |

| Part Number | AD865BYBI44JC | AD887BAHM44AB |

The specification table highlights the trade-offs between the two designs. The A8-8650B compensates for an older architecture with higher clock speeds and double the L2 cache, while the A12-8870E counters with a much lower TDP, newer socket, and faster memory interface. The A8-8650B leads in every benchmark, but the A12-8870E's 35 W TDP makes it the logical choice for power-sensitive deployments where the 6.9-7.3% performance deficit is an acceptable trade-off for halved power consumption.