AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G vs Intel Core i7-870S Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results paint a split picture, with each processor taking decisive victories in different workloads. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G wins two of the three recorded head-to-head tests, but the Intel Core i7-870S claims the most important multi-threaded win in the newer Cinebench version.

In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Intel Core i7-870S posts a score of 2350 against 1842 for the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G, a 27.6% advantage. This is a substantial lead and reflects the Intel processor's ability to scale across its four cores and eight threads in a modern rendering workload. The Ryzen's two cores and four threads simply cannot match that parallel throughput.

The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G strikes back hard in Cinebench R23 single-core, scoring 888 versus 331 for the Intel part. That is a 62.7% deficit for Intel, meaning the AMD processor delivers nearly three times the single-thread performance in this test. The gap is enormous and shows the architectural gulf between a 2010 desktop design and a 2020 embedded part built on a much newer core design.

The older Cinebench R15 multi-core test also favors the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G, with a score of 317 versus 236 for the Intel Core i7-870S, a 25.6% difference. Interestingly, this result is opposite to the R23 multi-core outcome. The Ryzen wins the older benchmark while Intel wins the newer one. This reversal suggests that the R15 workload does not stress the Intel part's multi-threading as effectively, or that the Ryzen's architectural efficiency gives it an edge in that particular test. The R20 multi-core result, where Intel scores 987, is not directly paired with an AMD score in the head-to-head data, but it supports the Intel advantage in the newer rendering pipeline.

The average benchmark scores are nearly identical: the Intel Core i7-870S averages 809, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G averages 797. Both processors sit in the bottom quartile of all CPUs, with Intel at the 22nd percentile and AMD at the 21st percentile. Neither part is a performance leader by modern standards, but they are closely matched overall. The nearest rivals for the Intel part include the AMD A10-6800K at an identical 809 average score, the AMD Athlon X4 850 at 806, and the Intel Xeon X5482 at 805. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G's nearest rivals include the AMD A10-7850K at 796, the AMD A6-9400 at 794, and the Intel Pentium Silver J5040 at 801.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from radically different eras and design philosophies. The Intel Core i7-870S uses the Nehalem architecture with the Lynnfield codename, built on a 45 nm process at Intel's own foundry. It packs 774 million transistors into a 296 mm² die. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G uses the Zen architecture, also with the Zen codename, manufactured by GlobalFoundries on a 14 nm process. It contains 3,500 million transistors on a 148 mm² die.

The transistor counts tell a stark story. The AMD part packs over four times as many transistors into roughly half the die area, a direct result of the newer 14 nm process versus the 45 nm node. The Intel processor is from the Core i7 Lynnfield generation, released in July 2010 and now marked as end-of-life. The AMD processor belongs to the Ryzen Embedded 1000 series, released in February 2020 and still active in production.

Core counts differ significantly. The Intel Core i7-870S has four cores and eight threads, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G has two cores and four threads. Cache configurations also diverge: Intel provides 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3. AMD provides 96 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 4 MB of shared L3. The AMD part has larger per-core caches but half the total L3.

Memory support reflects their respective generations. The Intel part uses DDR3 with a dual-channel bus, while the AMD part uses DDR4 with a dual-channel bus and a recorded memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The Intel part's memory bandwidth is not recorded in the database. PCIe connectivity also differs: Intel offers Gen 2 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while AMD offers Gen 3 with 8 lanes (CPU only). The AMD processor includes integrated Radeon Vega 3 graphics, whereas the Intel part has no integrated graphics listed.

The sockets are incompatible: Intel uses Socket 1156, AMD uses Socket FP5. The Intel part has a TDP of 82 watts, the AMD part just 25 watts. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, and neither supports ECC memory.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G wins decisively in single-threaded workloads. The Cinebench R23 single-core score of 888 versus 331 is a 62.7% advantage, a massive margin that would be felt in any application that relies on per-core responsiveness. The AMD part also wins the older Cinebench R15 multi-core test, scoring 317 versus 236, a 25.6% edge. This suggests that in legacy rendering workloads or lightly threaded tasks, the AMD processor is the better choice.

The Intel Core i7-870S wins the modern multi-threaded rendering test. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 2350 beats the AMD part's 1842 by 27.6%. The Intel part also records a Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 987, which is not directly compared but indicates consistent multi-threaded capability in newer Cinebench versions. For workloads that can use four cores and eight threads, such as video encoding, compilation, or modern 3D rendering, the Intel processor holds the advantage.

The use-case split is clear. For embedded systems, thin clients, or fanless designs where single-thread speed and low power matter, the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G wins. Its 25 watt TDP versus Intel's 82 watts makes it far better suited to thermally constrained environments. The integrated Radeon Vega 3 graphics also gives it a feature the Intel part lacks entirely, making it a more complete package for compact systems that need display output without a discrete GPU.

For desktop workloads that are heavily parallel and can use eight threads, the Intel Core i7-870S is the stronger performer in the newer Cinebench R23 multi-core test. Its 27.6% lead in that benchmark is the largest Intel advantage recorded. The Intel part also has double the L3 cache at 8 MB versus 4 MB, which can help in cache-sensitive multi-threaded workloads.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ on nearly every major specification. The Intel Core i7-870S has four cores and eight threads, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G has two cores and four threads. Base clocks are close: 2.67 GHz for Intel versus 2.60 GHz for AMD. Boost clocks are similarly close: 3.60 GHz for Intel versus 3.50 GHz for AMD.

The TDP difference is stark: 82 watts for Intel versus 25 watts for AMD. Sockets are entirely different: Intel Socket 1156 versus AMD Socket FP5. The process nodes are generations apart: 45 nm for Intel versus 14 nm for AMD. Transistor counts are 774 million versus 3,500 million, and die sizes are 296 mm² versus 148 mm².

Cache layouts differ per core and at the shared level. Intel has 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3. AMD has 96 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 4 MB shared L3. Memory support is DDR3 for Intel and DDR4 for AMD, both dual-channel, with AMD recording a 38.4 GB/s memory bandwidth figure. PCIe support is Gen 2 with 16 lanes for Intel and Gen 3 with 8 lanes for AMD. The AMD part includes Radeon Vega 3 integrated graphics; the Intel part has none listed. Release dates are July 2010 for Intel and February 2020 for AMD. The Intel part is end-of-life, the AMD part is active. Neither has an unlocked multiplier, and neither supports ECC memory.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in single-core performance?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G is dramatically faster. In Cinebench R23 single-core, it scores 888 versus 331 for the Intel Core i7-870S, a 62.7% advantage.

Q: Which processor wins in multi-core rendering?

A: It depends on the benchmark version. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Intel Core i7-870S wins with 2350 versus 1842, a 27.6% lead. In the older Cinebench R15 multi-core, the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G wins with 317 versus 236, a 25.6% margin.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: They are nearly identical. The Intel Core i7-870S has an average benchmark score of 809, and the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G has 797. The Intel part sits at the 22nd percentile of all CPUs, the AMD part at the 21st.

Q: What are the core and thread counts?

A: The Intel Core i7-870S has four cores and eight threads. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G has two cores and four threads.

Q: Do these processors have integrated graphics?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G includes Radeon Vega 3 integrated graphics. The Intel Core i7-870S has no integrated graphics listed in the database.

Q: What are the power requirements?

A: The Intel Core i7-870S has a TDP of 82 watts. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G has a TDP of 25 watts.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear split decision. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G is the better choice for single-threaded performance, thermally constrained embedded designs, and systems that need integrated graphics. Its 62.7% lead in Cinebench R23 single-core is the single largest margin recorded in the head-to-head data. Its 25 watt TDP, active production status, and 2020 release date make it a modern, viable part for current designs. The Radeon Vega 3 graphics add capability that the Intel part simply does not offer.

The Intel Core i7-870S is the better choice for modern multi-threaded rendering workloads. Its 27.6% win in Cinebench R23 multi-core shows that its four cores and eight threads still deliver meaningful parallel performance. The 8 MB of shared L3 cache and the older but capable 45 nm Nehalem architecture provide enough throughput for threaded tasks. However, the 82 watt TDP and end-of-life status make it a poor fit for new embedded or low-power designs.

For an embedded system builder prioritizing efficiency, single-thread speed, and integrated graphics, the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G is the clear winner. For a desktop user running modern multi-threaded rendering with an existing Socket 1156 platform, the Intel Core i7-870S holds the edge. The overall averages are nearly tied, but the workload profile determines the correct pick.