AMD PRO A8-8650B vs Intel Core i5-4258U Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data presents a fascinating split between these two processors, with each claiming victory in different benchmark families. The AMD PRO A8-8650B dominates the Cinebench suite, while the Intel Core i5-4258U excels in Geekbench tests. This divergence reveals much about their underlying design philosophies.

Starting with Cinebench R15 multi-core, the AMD PRO A8-8650B scores 275 against the Intel Core i5-4258U's 222, a 19.3% advantage. The pattern repeats in Cinebench R20 multi-core, where AMD leads 1148 to 929, again by 19.1%. Even in single-core Cinebench R20, the AMD chip wins 162 to 131, another 19.1% margin. The Cinebench R23 results continue this trend: AMD takes multi-core 2734 to 2213 (19.1% ahead) and single-core 386 to 312 (19.2% ahead). These consistent margins across all Cinebench versions suggest a fundamental advantage in that workload type.

However, the Intel Core i5-4258U strikes back decisively in Geekbench. In multi-core testing, Intel scores 1664 versus AMD's 1060, a commanding 57% lead. The single-core Geekbench result is even more lopsided: Intel's 844 dwarfs AMD's 441, producing a 91.4% advantage. This stark contrast between benchmark suites indicates that the two processors are optimized for very different computational patterns.

The win count favors AMD at 5 victories against Intel's 2, but the magnitude of Intel's Geekbench wins far exceeds AMD's Cinebench margins. The average benchmark scores tell a nuanced story: Intel averages 902, while AMD averages 887, a difference of only 1.7%. Both sit at the 24th percentile of all CPUs, placing them in similar overall performance tiers despite their divergent strengths.

FAQ

Q: Which processor performs better in Cinebench tests?

A: The AMD PRO A8-8650B wins all five Cinebench comparisons. Its margins range from 19.1% to 19.3% across R15, R20, and R23 versions, covering both multi-core and single-core workloads.

Q: How large is Intel's advantage in Geekbench?

A: The Intel Core i5-4258U leads by 57% in Geekbench multi-core (1664 vs 1060) and by 91.4% in single-core (844 vs 441). These are the two largest deltas recorded in the head-to-head data.

Q: What are the average benchmark scores for each processor?

A: The Intel Core i5-4258U has an average benchmark score of 902, while the AMD PRO A8-8650B averages 887. This places them nearly even overall, differing by only 15 points.

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

A: Intel's closest rival is the Core i5-5350U with a score of 903, just 0.1% higher. AMD's nearest competitor is the Pentium G4560T at 887, showing no delta. Both processors sit within 0.7% of their respective rival clusters.

Q: Which processor has a better single-core Geekbench performance ratio?

A: Intel's single-core Geekbench score of 844 is 91.4% higher than AMD's 441. This nearly doubles AMD's output, making it the single most decisive metric in the entire comparison.

Q: Does the higher core count guarantee more benchmark wins?

A: No. Despite having 4 cores versus Intel's 2, AMD wins 5 of 7 benchmarks. However, Intel's Geekbench victories are so substantial that the average scores remain nearly identical.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design schools. Intel's Core i5-4258U uses the Haswell architecture on a 22 nm process, fabricated by Intel itself. It contains 1,400 million transistors on a 118 mm² die. The AMD PRO A8-8650B employs the Steamroller architecture under the Godaveri codename, built on a 28 nm process by GlobalFoundries, with 2,411 million transistors spread across a much larger 245 mm² die.

Core and cache configurations differ sharply. The Intel chip offers 2 cores with 4 threads, relying on Hyper-Threading to double its logical processing units. Its cache hierarchy includes 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 3 MB of shared L3. AMD counters with 4 physical cores and 4 threads, no simultaneous multithreading. Its cache layout is simpler: 256 KB of L1, 4 MB of L2, and no L3 cache at all. This structural difference likely explains the Geekbench discrepancy, as Intel's shared L3 provides faster access to frequently used data.

The integrated graphics also diverge. Intel pairs its chip with HD 5100 graphics, while AMD integrates Radeon R7 graphics. Both support DDR3 memory, but the AMD chip explicitly lists dual-channel memory support with 34.1 GB/s bandwidth, a specification absent from Intel's entry. AMD also provides PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU, while Intel's PCIe configuration is not recorded.

Market positioning separates them further. Intel targets the mobile segment with a 28 W TDP, while AMD is a desktop part drawing 65 W. The AMD chip uses a Socket FM2+ interface, Intel uses BGA 1168. Production status also differs: AMD lists end-of-life, while Intel's status is not specified. Release dates show AMD launched in September 2015, over two years after Intel's June 2013 debut.

Specification Differences

The most obvious difference is core count: Intel provides 2 cores, AMD provides 4. Threads are equal at 4, thanks to Intel's Hyper-Threading. Clock speeds favor AMD, with a 3.20 GHz base and 3.90 GHz boost against Intel's 2.40 GHz base and 2.90 GHz boost.

Thermal design power tells a story of efficiency versus raw capability. Intel consumes only 28 W, while AMD requires 65 W. This 37 W gap reflects their different market targets. The process node also differs: Intel uses 22 nm, AMD uses 28 nm, with corresponding differences in transistor count (1,400 million vs 2,411 million) and die size (118 mm² vs 245 mm²).

Cache structures are entirely different. Intel distributes 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core, then adds 3 MB shared L3. AMD offers a flat 256 KB L1 and 4 MB L2 with no L3. Memory bandwidth is documented only for AMD at 34.1 GB/s. PCIe support appears only for AMD with Gen 3 and 16 lanes.

Socket types reflect their platforms: Intel BGA 1168 versus AMD Socket FM2+. The integrated graphics differ (HD 5100 vs Radeon R7). Market segments are mobile versus desktop. Part numbers differ: SR18A for Intel, AD865BYBI44JC for AMD. Neither has an unlocked multiplier, and neither supports ECC memory.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD PRO A8-8650B is the clear choice for Cinebench-oriented workloads. Its 19.1% to 19.3% lead across all Cinebench test versions, including single-core, suggests it handles rendering and content creation tasks more effectively. The higher base and boost clocks, combined with four physical cores, appear to give it an edge in sustained multi-threaded rendering scenarios.

The Intel Core i5-4258U dominates Geekbench workloads by margins that are difficult to ignore. Its 57% multi-core and 91.4% single-core advantages indicate superior performance in general-purpose computing tasks like web browsing, office applications, and everyday productivity. The shared L3 cache and Haswell architecture likely contribute to this efficiency.

For power-sensitive applications, Intel wins by default. The 28 W TDP versus AMD's 65 W makes the Intel chip suitable for thin-and-light mobile devices, while AMD's power draw limits it to desktop environments. The mobile versus desktop market segmentation reinforces this split.

For users prioritizing raw single-core performance in Geekbench-style workloads, Intel's 844 score versus AMD's 441 is decisive. However, for Cinebench-style multi-threaded rendering, AMD's consistent 19% advantage across all versions makes it the safer bet.

The Verdict

The data presents a balanced picture, with each processor winning distinct benchmark categories. The AMD PRO A8-8650B takes 5 of 7 head-to-head tests, all in the Cinebench family, with margins near 19%. The Intel Core i5-4258U wins 2 tests in the Geekbench family, but with far larger margins of 57% and 91.4%.

Average benchmark scores place them nearly equal: Intel at 902, AMD at 887, a 1.7% difference. Both rank at the 24th percentile among all CPUs. The nearest rival data confirms this parity, with Intel's closest competitor (Core i5-5350U) just 0.1% away, and AMD's (Pentium G4560T) at exact parity.

The choice depends entirely on workload priorities. Users needing Cinebench performance, likely for rendering or creative tasks, should select the AMD PRO A8-8650B. Its consistent 19% edge across every Cinebench version makes it the superior rendering processor.

Users prioritizing Geekbench performance, representing general-purpose and single-threaded applications, should choose the Intel Core i5-4258U. The 91.4% single-core advantage is extraordinary, and even the 57% multi-core lead in Geekbench is substantial.

The power envelope adds another dimension. Intel's 28 W TDP makes it viable for mobile devices, while AMD's 65 W TDP confines it to desktop use. Mobile users have one realistic choice; desktop users with rendering workloads have another.

In summary, these are not competing products so much as complementary ones, each optimized for different computational patterns. The database shows two processors that achieve similar overall scores through entirely different means, and the correct selection depends on which benchmark family matters more.