AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 vs Intel Core i7-990X Comparison

The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 and the Intel Core i7-990X represent two very different eras of CPU design, yet their benchmark results place them in a surprisingly close contest. While the Intel part wins every head-to-head test, the margins are razor-thin, and the underlying platform differences are vast. This analysis breaks down the data to help determine which processor makes sense for a given workload.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking finding in the data is how close these two processors are, despite their generational gap. The Intel Core i7-990X wins all six benchmark comparisons, but never by a margin exceeding 2.3%. In the Cinebench R15 multi-core test, the i7-990X scores 611 against the R2514’s 603, a deltaPct of -1.3% for the AMD part. The single-core R15 results are similarly tight: 86 for Intel versus 84 for AMD, a 2.3% difference.

Moving to newer Cinebench versions, the pattern holds. In Cinebench R20 multi-core, the Intel chip scores 2549 versus 2513 for the AMD, a 1.4% delta. The single-core R20 test shows 359 versus 354, again a 1.4% delta. Cinebench R23 multi-core yields 6071 for Intel and 5984 for AMD, with a 1.4% delta, while the single-core R23 test shows 857 versus 844, a 1.5% delta. These are not dominant victories; they are statistical noise-level differences in many workloads.

The average benchmark scores reflect this near-parity. The AMD R2514 has an average score of 1730, placing it in the 41st percentile of all CPUs. The Intel i7-990X averages 1713, landing in the 40th percentile. The AMD part is actually slightly ahead on average score, but the Intel part wins in every direct head-to-head test. This suggests the AMD chip benefits from a more consistent performance profile across a broader range of tests, while the Intel chip edges ahead in the specific Cinebench workloads measured.

When looking at nearest rivals, the AMD R2514 sits between the AMD Athlon Gold PRO 3150GE (1722 average, 0.5% delta) and the Intel Core i3-1315UE (1739 average, -0.5% delta). The i7-990X is bracketed by the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 2700U (1715 average, -0.1% delta) and the Intel Xeon E5-1620 v3 (1709 average, 0.2% delta). In both cases, the CPUs are clustered with other processors that would be considered contemporaries, not extreme outliers in either direction.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide between these two chips is enormous. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 uses the Zen+ architecture, codenamed Picasso, built on a 12 nm process by GlobalFoundries. It packs 4,940 million transistors into a 210 mm² die. The Intel Core i7-990X uses the Westmere architecture, codenamed Gulftown, built on a 32 nm process by Intel. It contains 1,170 million transistors on a 239 mm² die. The AMD chip has over four times the transistor count on a slightly smaller die, evidence of the density improvements of a newer process.

Core counts differ as well. The AMD R2514 offers 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Intel i7-990X provides 6 cores and 12 threads. The Intel part has a 50% advantage in both cores and threads, which should theoretically give it a multi-threaded edge. Yet the benchmark data shows it only manages a 1.4% lead in multi-core workloads, indicating the AMD architecture’s superior instructions-per-clock (IPC) compensates for the core deficit.

Cache configurations are also distinct. The AMD chip has 96 KB of L1 and 512 KB of L2 per core, with a shared 4 MB L3. The Intel chip has 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core, but a much larger shared 12 MB L3. While the Intel part has triple the L3 cache, the AMD part’s faster per-core L1 and L2 likely contribute to its competitive single-core performance.

Memory support diverges completely. The AMD R2514 supports DDR4 in a dual-channel configuration, offering a memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s, and supports ECC memory. The Intel i7-990X supports DDR3 in a triple-channel configuration, with no ECC support and no listed memory bandwidth figure. The AMD part’s newer memory standard and ECC capability make it more suited for reliability-focused embedded workloads.

Process node, foundry, socket, and power envelope all differ. The AMD chip uses a 12 nm process, fits in AMD Socket FP5, and has a TDP of 15 watts. The Intel chip uses a 32 nm process, fits in Intel Socket 1366, and has a TDP of 130 watts. The power consumption difference is staggering: the AMD part draws less than 12% of the Intel’s TDP. The Intel part supports PCIe Gen 2, while the AMD part supports PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes. The AMD chip also includes integrated Radeon Vega 8 graphics, while the Intel part has no integrated graphics.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Intel Core i7-990X scores 6071 compared to the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514’s 5984, giving Intel a 1.4% lead.

Q: Does the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the AMD part supports DDR4 memory with ECC capability. The Intel Core i7-990X does not support ECC memory.

Q: What is the TDP difference between these two CPUs?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 has a TDP of 15 watts, while the Intel Core i7-990X has a TDP of 130 watts.

Q: How many cores and threads does each processor have?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 has 4 cores and 8 threads. The Intel Core i7-990X has 6 cores and 12 threads.

Q: Which CPU has integrated graphics?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 includes Radeon Vega 8 integrated graphics. The Intel Core i7-990X has no integrated graphics.

Q: What is the production status of each chip?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 is listed as Active in production. The Intel Core i7-990X is listed as End-of-life.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear split based on use case. For embedded systems where power efficiency, modern memory support, ECC reliability, and integrated graphics matter, the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 is the obvious choice. Its 15-watt TDP versus the Intel’s 130-watt TDP is a decisive advantage in thermally constrained environments. The support for DDR4 with ECC and integrated Radeon Vega 8 graphics eliminates the need for a separate GPU and error-checking memory controller.

For legacy desktop workloads where raw multi-threading from six cores is available and power consumption is not a constraint, the Intel Core i7-990X holds a slight performance edge. It wins all six head-to-head benchmarks, though the maximum advantage is just 2.3%. Its unlocked multiplier also allows for overclocking, which the AMD part does not offer.

The percentile data shows both chips are mid-pack performers, with the AMD at the 41st percentile and the Intel at the 40th. The AMD part has a slightly higher average benchmark score (1730 vs 1713). The Intel part’s production status is End-of-life, while the AMD part is Active, which impacts long-term availability and support.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 | Intel Core i7-990X |

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

| Architecture | Zen+ (Picasso) | Westmere (Gulftown) |

| Process Node | 12 nm (GlobalFoundries) | 32 nm (Intel) |

| Transistors | 4,940 million | 1,170 million |

| Die Size | 210 mm² | 239 mm² |

| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 12 |

| Base Clock | 2.10 GHz | 3.47 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.70 GHz | 3.73 GHz |

| TDP | 15 W | 130 W |

| L1 Cache | 96 KB (per core) | 64 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 512 KB (per core) | 256 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 4 MB (shared) | 12 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 (Dual-channel) | DDR3 (Triple-channel) |

| Memory Bandwidth | 42.7 GB/s | Not listed |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 2 |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon Vega 8 | None |

| Socket | AMD Socket FP5 | Intel Socket 1366 |

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

| Unlocked Multiplier | No | Yes |

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 wins in scenarios that prioritize efficiency and platform integration. Its 15-watt TDP makes it suitable for fanless or low-power designs, embedded controllers, and compact systems where heat dissipation is a challenge. The included Radeon Vega 8 graphics provide a complete visual solution without a discrete GPU. ECC memory support makes it viable for error-sensitive applications like data logging or network appliances. The newer DDR4 memory standard and higher memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s give it a memory subsystem advantage. Its Active production status ensures ongoing availability.

The Intel Core i7-990X wins in raw benchmark performance across all six tested workloads. Its 6-core, 12-thread configuration provides more parallel processing capability, which the benchmarks show translates to a slight multi-core edge. The larger 12 MB L3 cache may benefit workloads with high data reuse. The unlocked multiplier offers overclocking potential, which could extend its performance lead further in custom setups. The triple-channel DDR3 configuration, while older, still provides substantial memory throughput. Its 3.47 GHz base clock and 3.73 GHz boost clock are notably higher than the AMD part’s 2.10 GHz and 3.70 GHz, giving it a clock speed advantage in lightly threaded tasks.

The data ultimately shows a choice between a modern, efficient embedded processor with a modest performance profile and an older, power-hungry desktop CPU with a marginal performance edge. Neither chip dominates the other; the decision rests on platform requirements and power constraints.