AMD PRO A8-9600 vs Intel Core i3-4150T Comparison

The Intel Core i3-4150T and AMD PRO A8-9600 are two desktop processors that, despite vastly different architectures and release timelines, land in a similar performance class. The data shows the AMD PRO A8-9600 holds a consistent lead across every benchmark in the head-to-head comparison, though the Intel chip counters with superior efficiency figures. This analysis breaks down the benchmark data, architectural differences, and use-case scenarios to determine which processor fits specific needs.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The AMD PRO A8-9600 wins all five head-to-head benchmark comparisons against the Intel Core i3-4150T. The margin is remarkably consistent, ranging from a 14% deficit for the Intel chip in Cinebench R20 multicore to a 14.4% shortfall in Cinebench R20 single-core. This uniformity suggests the performance gap is architectural rather than workload-specific.

In Cinebench R15 multicore, the AMD PRO A8-9600 scores 284 versus 244 for the Intel Core i3-4150T, a 14.1% advantage. The Cinebench R20 multicore test shows a similar pattern: 1184 for AMD against 1018 for Intel, a 14% difference. Moving to Cinebench R23 multicore, the AMD chip scores 2820 while the Intel processor manages 2425, again a 14% gap.

Single-core performance tells the same story. The AMD PRO A8-9600 leads Cinebench R20 single-core with 167 points against 143 for the Intel Core i3-4150T, a 14.4% edge. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the AMD chip scores 398 versus 342, a 14.1% advantage. The consistency of these deltas across both single and multi-threaded workloads indicates the AMD processor simply executes instructions more efficiently per clock in this benchmark suite.

The Geekbench results, while not part of the head-to-head table, reinforce the overall picture. The Intel Core i3-4150T scores 1762 in Geekbench multicore and 892 in single-core. These numbers place the Intel chip at an average benchmark score of 975, while the AMD PRO A8-9600 averages 971. The Intel processor's average score is marginally higher, despite losing every head-to-head comparison, because the Geekbench tests are weighted differently than the Cinebench suite.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design philosophies. The Intel Core i3-4150T uses the Haswell architecture on a 22 nm process node manufactured by Intel, featuring 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die. The AMD PRO A8-9600 employs the Excavator architecture on a 28 nm node from GlobalFoundries, packing 3,100 million transistors across a 250 mm² die.

Core configuration differs significantly. The Intel chip offers 2 physical cores with 4 threads through Hyper-Threading, while the AMD processor provides 4 physical cores with 4 threads. Despite having half the physical cores, the Intel i3-4150T's thread count matches the AMD chip's total thread capacity.

Cache hierarchies reflect these architectural choices. The Intel i3-4150T has 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 per core, plus a 3 MB shared L3 cache. The AMD PRO A8-9600 carries a larger 320 KB L1 cache and 2 MB of L2, but lacks any L3 cache entirely. This means the Intel chip relies on a three-level cache hierarchy while the AMD processor operates with just two levels.

Clock speeds favor the AMD PRO A8-9600, which runs at a 3.10 GHz base clock and boosts to 3.40 GHz. The Intel Core i3-4150T has a fixed 2.90 GHz base clock with no boost capability. Power consumption tells the opposite story: the Intel chip has a 35 W TDP, while the AMD processor draws 65 W.

Memory support and platform interfaces also differ. The Intel i3-4150T supports DDR3 memory on dual-channel bus, while the AMD PRO A8-9600 supports DDR4 with a specified memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. Both use PCIe Gen 3, but the AMD chip limits PCIe to 8 lanes from the CPU only. Integrated graphics differ as well: Intel HD 4400 versus Radeon R7.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD PRO A8-9600 wins every benchmark in the head-to-head comparison, making it the straightforward choice for raw computational throughput. Its 14% to 14.4% lead across all Cinebench tests means it handles both lightly-threaded and heavily-threaded workloads with consistent superiority. The four physical cores provide a structural advantage in multi-threaded rendering tasks, while the higher base and boost clocks contribute to its single-thread wins.

The Intel Core i3-4150T wins on efficiency metrics. Its 35 W TDP versus 65 W for the AMD chip means it draws half the power while delivering roughly 86% of the performance. The smaller die size of 177 mm² versus 250 mm² and the more advanced 22 nm process node versus 28 nm contribute to this efficiency advantage. The Intel chip also offers a 3 MB shared L3 cache, which the AMD processor lacks entirely.

For platform considerations, the Intel chip supports DDR3 memory, which may be more readily available in existing systems, while the AMD PRO A8-9600 requires DDR4. The AMD processor's socket is AM4, which provides a more modern platform path, while the Intel chip uses Socket 1150. The AMD chip carries a 38.4 GB/s memory bandwidth figure, indicating superior memory throughput capability, though the Intel chip's memory bandwidth is not specified in the data.

FAQ

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

A: The AMD PRO A8-9600 leads in every multi-core benchmark. It scores 284 versus 244 in Cinebench R15 multicore, 1184 versus 1018 in Cinebench R20 multicore, and 2820 versus 2425 in Cinebench R23 multicore, representing approximately a 14% advantage in each test.

Q: How do the two processors compare in single-core performance?

A: The AMD PRO A8-9600 also wins single-core tests, scoring 167 versus 143 in Cinebench R20 single-core and 398 versus 342 in Cinebench R23 single-core. The deltas are 14.4% and 14.1% respectively.

Q: What is the core and thread configuration difference?

A: The Intel Core i3-4150T has 2 cores and 4 threads, while the AMD PRO A8-9600 has 4 cores and 4 threads. The Intel chip uses Hyper-Threading to double its thread count, while the AMD processor relies on its four physical cores.

Q: Do these processors support the same memory type?

A: No. The Intel Core i3-4150T supports DDR3 memory, while the AMD PRO A8-9600 supports DDR4 memory. Both use dual-channel memory buses, and the AMD chip has a specified memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s.

Q: What are the TDP ratings for each processor?

A: The Intel Core i3-4150T has a 35 W TDP, while the AMD PRO A8-9600 has a 65 W TDP. This makes the Intel chip significantly more power-efficient.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i3-4150T has an average benchmark score of 975, while the AMD PRO A8-9600 averages 971. Despite losing all head-to-head comparisons, the Intel chip's Geekbench scores contribute to a marginally higher average.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i3-4150T | AMD PRO A8-9600 |

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

| Cores | 2 | 4 |

| Threads | 4 | 4 |

| Base Clock | 2.90 GHz | 3.10 GHz |

| Boost Clock | None | 3.40 GHz |

| TDP | 35 W | 65 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1150 | AMD Socket AM4 |

| Architecture | Haswell | Excavator |

| Process Node | 22 nm | 28 nm |

| 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 | 3 MB (shared) | None |

| Memory Support | DDR3 | DDR4 |

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

| PCIe | Gen 3 | Gen 3, 8 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 4400 | Radeon R7 |

| Release Date | 2014-04-30 | 2016-10-02 |

| Production Status | Not specified | Active |

The Verdict

The benchmark data clearly favors the AMD PRO A8-9600 for users prioritizing raw performance. It wins all five head-to-head comparisons with margins between 14% and 14.4%, covering both single-core and multi-core workloads. The AMD chip achieves this with four physical cores, higher clock speeds, and a boost capability that the Intel processor lacks entirely. For rendering tasks, content creation, or any CPU-bound application, the AMD PRO A8-9600 delivers measurably better results.

The Intel Core i3-4150T serves a different purpose. Its 35 W TDP versus 65 W makes it the choice for power-constrained systems. The data shows it delivers approximately 86% of the AMD chip's performance while consuming roughly half the power. The Intel chip also supports DDR3 memory, which may reduce upgrade costs for users with existing DDR3 platforms. Its 22 nm process node and smaller die size indicate a more mature manufacturing process that may offer better thermal characteristics.

The average benchmark scores tell a nuanced story. The Intel chip's average of 975 slightly edges out the AMD's 971, driven by its Geekbench performance. However, the head-to-head Cinebench results are unambiguous: the AMD PRO A8-9600 wins every test. Users requiring maximum performance should select the AMD PRO A8-9600. Users prioritizing power efficiency or maintaining a DDR3 platform should consider the Intel Core i3-4150T, accepting the performance trade-off documented in the benchmark data.