AMD PRO A12-8870E vs Intel Pentium G4560T Comparison

# Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents an unusually close contest between the Intel Pentium G4560T and the AMD PRO A12-8870E. Across every measured workload, the AMD part takes the win, yet the margins are consistently razor-thin — never exceeding a single percent in any test.

Starting with the multi-core Cinebench R15 test, the AMD PRO A12-8870E scores 257 against the Intel Pentium G4560T's 256, a delta of just -0.4% in favor of AMD. The pattern repeats in Cinebench R20 multi-core, where AMD posts 1074 versus Intel's 1068, a -0.6% difference. Even the single-core results follow the same script: in Cinebench R20 single-core, AMD scores 151 against Intel's 150 (-0.7%), and in Cinebench R23 single-core, AMD leads 361 to 359 (-0.6%).

The largest relative gap appears in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where AMD's 2558 beats Intel's 2544 by -0.5%. While this is technically AMD's biggest win, a 14-point difference on a scale exceeding 2,500 points is well within the range of run-to-run variation. The data indicates that these two processors are effectively equivalent in raw compute performance, with AMD holding a symbolic but functionally negligible edge in all five head-to-head benchmarks.

It is importantly the Intel part has two additional benchmark results not shared by AMD: Geekbench multi-core at 1237 and Geekbench single-core at 594. These scores place the Pentium G4560T at an average benchmark score of 887, while the AMD chip's average sits at 880 — a 7-point difference that slightly favors Intel when the broader benchmark suite is considered.

The win count is decisive in one sense: AMD takes all five head-to-head comparisons. But the percentile rankings tell a more nuanced story. The Pentium G4560T sits at the 24th percentile of all CPUs, while the PRO A12-8870E rests at the 23rd percentile. Both processors occupy nearly the same position in the overall performance distribution, reinforcing the conclusion that these are peer parts separated by measurement noise rather than meaningful performance gaps.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins the most head-to-head benchmark comparisons?

A: The AMD PRO A12-8870E wins all five head-to-head tests, covering Cinebench R15 multi-core, R20 multi-core and single-core, and R23 multi-core and single-core. The Intel Pentium G4560T does not win any of the shared tests.

Q: How large is the performance difference between the two chips?

A: The largest margin in any shared benchmark is -0.7% (Cinebench R20 single-core), with most deltas falling between -0.4% and -0.6%. These differences are minimal — the two processors perform essentially identically in the measured workloads.

Q: Does the Intel chip have any benchmark advantage at all?

A: The Pentium G4560T holds a slightly higher average benchmark score of 887 versus AMD's 880. Additionally, the Intel part has Geekbench results (1237 multi-core, 594 single-core) that the AMD chip does not have, though these tests were not run head-to-head.

Q: How do these processors compare to other CPUs in the database?

A: The Intel Pentium G4560T ranks at the 24th percentile of all CPUs, while the AMD PRO A12-8870E ranks at the 23rd percentile. Both are positioned near the lower-midrange of the overall performance distribution.

Q: What are the closest rivals for each processor?

A: The Pentium G4560T's nearest competitor is the AMD PRO A8-8650B with an identical average score of 887 (0% delta). The PRO A12-8870E's closest match is the AMD Ryzen 3 2300U at 880 (0% delta). Both chips also sit within 0.2% of several other processors.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory type?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 memory in dual-channel configuration with identical memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. Neither supports ECC memory.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design philosophies. The Intel Pentium G4560T is built on Kaby Lake architecture using a 14 nm process at Intel's own foundry. It features 2 physical cores with 4 threads via Hyper-Threading, allowing each core to handle two concurrent instruction streams. The AMD PRO A12-8870E, by contrast, uses the older Excavator architecture (codename Carrizo) on a 28 nm process at GlobalFoundries, with 4 physical cores and 4 threads — no simultaneous multithreading.

The transistor budgets reflect this generational gap. AMD's chip packs 3,100 million transistors into a 250 mm² die, while Intel's smaller 14 nm design does not have transistor or die size figures listed. The cache hierarchies also differ substantially. Intel allocates 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 per core, backed by a shared 3 MB L3 cache. AMD provides 320 KB of L1 total and 2 MB of L2 total, with no L3 cache at all. This means the Intel part relies on a larger, shared cache pool, while the AMD chip's cache is strictly per-core or per-cluster.

The integrated graphics differ as well: Intel includes HD 610 graphics, while AMD pairs the CPU with a Radeon R7 iGPU. Both processors use PCIe Gen 3, though Intel specifies 16 lanes from the CPU while AMD does not list a lane count. Neither processor supports ECC memory, and both are locked (multiplier not unlocked).

Process node differences are significant: Intel's 14 nm process is considerably more advanced than AMD's 28 nm, which typically translates to better power efficiency and higher transistor density. Both parts are rated at 35 W TDP, which is notable given the architectural gap — the Intel chip achieves parity in power envelope while using a much denser process.

Specification Differences

The specification sheets reveal several key differences between the two processors:

• Cores: Intel has 2 cores; AMD has 4 cores.
• Threads: Intel has 4 threads; AMD also has 4 threads.
• Base clock: Both run at 2.90 GHz.
• Boost clock: Intel has no boost clock; AMD boosts to 3.70 GHz.
• Socket: Intel uses Socket 1151; AMD uses Socket AM4.
• Process node: Intel uses 14 nm; AMD uses 28 nm.
• Foundry: Intel fabricates in-house; AMD uses GlobalFoundries.
• Transistors: AMD lists 3,100 million; Intel lists none.
• Die size: AMD lists 250 mm²; Intel lists none.
• L1 cache: Intel has 64 KB per core; AMD has 320 KB total.
• L2 cache: Intel has 256 KB per core; AMD has 2 MB total.
• L3 cache: Intel has 3 MB shared; AMD has none.
• Integrated graphics: Intel has HD 610; AMD has Radeon R7.
• PCIe: Intel specifies Gen 3 with 16 lanes; AMD only specifies Gen 3.
• Release date: Intel released 2017-01-02; AMD has no listed release date.
• Part number: Intel uses SR35T; AMD uses AD887BAHM44AB.

Both share identical memory specifications (DDR4, dual-channel, 38.4 GB/s), TDP (35 W), ECC support (none), market segment (desktop), production status (active), and multiplier lock (both locked).

The Verdict

The data paints a clear picture: these are nearly identical performers with different architectural approaches. The AMD PRO A12-8870E wins every head-to-head benchmark, but by margins so small they are practically meaningless — the largest delta is -0.7%. The Intel Pentium G4560T counters with a slightly higher average benchmark score (887 vs. 880) and a slightly better percentile ranking (24th vs. 23rd).

For workloads that rely on the shared Cinebench suite, the AMD chip is technically the faster part. However, the difference between 2558 and 2544 in Cinebench R23 multi-core is not something a user would ever notice in real-world usage. Both processors deliver essentially identical compute throughput.

The architectural differences are more pronounced than the benchmark deltas. Intel's 14 nm process, Hyper-Threading, and 3 MB L3 cache represent a more modern design, while AMD's 4 physical cores, 28 nm process, and lack of L3 cache reflect an older generation. Yet these differences cancel out in practice, producing matching performance.

The choice between these two comes down to factors outside raw CPU benchmarks. The Intel part offers Geekbench results that the AMD chip does not have, and its newer architecture may provide advantages in features not captured by these specific tests. The AMD chip, meanwhile, offers a boost clock up to 3.70 GHz and a Radeon R7 integrated GPU, which could matter for systems relying on integrated graphics.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD PRO A12-8870E wins in every benchmark category where both processors were tested head-to-head. This includes multi-core workloads across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23, as well as single-core tests in R20 and R23. If the decision rests strictly on the shared benchmark suite, the AMD chip is the consistent — albeit marginal — victor.

The Intel Pentium G4560T claims superiority in the average benchmark score metric, posting 887 versus AMD's 880. This is driven by the Intel chip's Geekbench multi-core score of 1237 and single-core score of 594, which are not available for the AMD part. The Intel chip also holds a one-percentile advantage in overall CPU ranking (24th vs. 23rd).

For use-case planning, the data suggests the following: if a system will run applications similar to the Cinebench workloads — rendering, content creation, or other threaded compute tasks — the AMD chip holds a nominal edge. If a broader performance picture including Geekbench results is desired, the Intel chip's additional data points give it a slight overall advantage. For integrated graphics duty, the AMD part's Radeon R7 is likely the stronger choice, though no direct graphics benchmarks are provided. For users prioritizing a more modern process node and cache architecture, the Intel chip's 14 nm design and 3 MB L3 cache are notable differentiators. Ultimately, the performance data shows these two processors are interchangeable in practice, with the AMD chip winning the head-to-head on paper and the Intel chip winning the aggregate score comparison.