| Intel Core i3 3220 vs AMD A6 5400K |
Intel Core i3 3220
- 3.3 GHz
- Dual core
Reasons to buy the Intel Core i3 3220
![]() | More threads 4 | ![]() | Much newer manufacturing process 22 nm |
![]() | Lower typical power consumption 44.69W | ![]() | Lower annual home energy cost 13.25 $/year |
AMD A6 5400K
- 3.6 GHz
- Dual core
- Unlocked
Reasons to buy the AMD A6 5400K
![]() | Much more l2 cache 1 MB | ![]() | Is unlocked Yes |
![]() | Higher clock speed 3.6 GHz | ![]() | Much better overclocked clock speed (Air) 4.46 GHz |
A gamer on a budget needs a CPU that’s fast and reliable, while still easy on the wallet. For this matchup, we’re comparing two desktop processors that fit the bill: the Intel Core i3 3220 versus the AMD A6 5400K. Which processor will heed the call of duty?
Their only similarity is that they’re both Dual Core; after that, their specifications vary greatly. Starting with the first CPU, the 3220 is a 3.3 GHz with 3MB cache. It packs an HD 2500 GPU, and consumes a modest 55W TDP. A great feature is that it’s hyperthreaded, which maximizes usage of each processor core.
In contrast is the 5400K: clocked faster at 3.6 GHz, but at the expense of a lower cache of only 0.5 MB. As an Advanced Processing Unit (APU), its focus is in a beefier GPU: it packs a Radeon HD 7540D which is much better than ordinary integrated graphics. It’s capable of playing casual games, or even as an HTPC. Moreover, its unlocked multiplier makes for easy overclockability: a great boon for enthusiasts. But as a result, it consumes more power at 65W TDP.
Looking at the benchmarks, the 3220 dominated: it scored 15% better at 3DMark11 physics, 16% better at Geekbench, and an outstanding 30% better at PassMark. In defense of the 5400K however, keep in mind that it’s less than half the price of the 3220. Additionally, you need to buy a discrete graphics card for the 3220 because its integrated graphics just won’t do for gaming even at low settings.
In conclusion, only consider the AMD A6 5400K if you're an extremely strapped gamer. But if you’re looking for a sound investment with future expandability, we recommend the Intel Core i3 3220.
Cast your vote Do you agree or disagree with CPUBoss?
Differences What are the advantages of each
| |||||||
More threads | 4 | vs | 2 | Twice as many threads | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Much newer manufacturing process | 22 nm | vs | 32 nm | A newer manufacturing process allows for a more powerful, yet cooler running processor | |||
Lower typical power consumption | 44.69W | vs | 52.81W | More than 15% lower typical power consumption | |||
Lower annual home energy cost | 13.25 $/year | vs | 15.66 $/year | More than 15% lower annual home energy cost | |||
Lower annual commercial energy cost | 48.18 $/year | vs | 56.94 $/year | More than 15% lower annual commercial energy cost | |||
| |||||||
Much more l2 cache | 1 MB | vs | 0.5 MB | 2x more l2 cache; more data can be stored in the l2 cache for quick access later | |||
Is unlocked | Yes | vs | No | Somewhat common; An unlocked multiplier allows for easier overclocking | |||
Higher clock speed | 3.6 GHz | vs | 3.3 GHz | Around 10% higher clock speed | |||
Much better overclocked clock speed (Air) | 4.46 GHz | vs | 3.43 GHz | More than 30% better overclocked clock speed (Air) | |||
Much more l2 cache per core | 0.5 MB/core | vs | 0.25 MB/core | 2x more l2 cache per core | |||
Significantly higher Maximum operating temperature | 70 °C | vs | 65.3 °C | More than 5% higher Maximum operating temperature | |||
Much better overclocked clock speed (Water) | 5.03 GHz | vs | 3.46 GHz | More than 45% better overclocked clock speed (Water) |
Benchmarks Real world tests of Core i3 3220 vs A6 5400K
CompuBench 1.5 (Bitcoin mining) Data courtesy CompuBench
PCMark 8 Home 3.0 Accelerated Data courtesy FutureMark
Sky Diver Data courtesy FutureMark
Cloud Gate Data courtesy FutureMark
GeekBench 3 (Multi-core) Data courtesy Primate Labs
GeekBench 3 (Single core) Data courtesy Primate Labs
GeekBench 3 (AES single core) Data courtesy Primate Labs
PassMark Data courtesy Passmark
Specifications Full list of technical specs
summary | Core i3 3220 | vs | A6 5400K |
---|---|---|---|
Clock speed | 3.3 GHz | 3.6 GHz | |
Cores | Dual core | Dual core | |
Is unlocked | No | Yes | |
features | |||
Has a NX bit | Yes | Yes | |
Has virtualization support | Yes | Yes | |
Instruction set extensions | |||
SSE4a | |||
AVX 1.1 | |||
SSE2 | |||
F16C | |||
MMX | |||
SSE4 | |||
XOP | |||
AVX | |||
SSE3 | |||
SSE | |||
CLMUL | |||
AMD64 | |||
SSE4.1 | |||
FMA4 | |||
SSE4.2 | |||
CVT16 | |||
AMD-V | |||
Supplemental SSE3 | |||
AES | |||
Supports dynamic frequency scaling | Yes | Yes | |
power consumption | |||
TDP | 55W | 65W | |
Annual home energy cost | 13.25 $/year | 15.66 $/year | |
Annual commercial energy cost | 48.18 $/year | 56.94 $/year | |
Performance per watt | 2.69 pt/W | 6.62 pt/W | |
Typical power consumption | 44.69W | 52.81W |
details | Core i3 3220 | vs | A6 5400K |
---|---|---|---|
Threads | 4 | 2 | |
L2 cache | 0.5 MB | 1 MB | |
L2 cache per core | 0.25 MB/core | 0.5 MB/core | |
Manufacture process | 22 nm | 32 nm | |
Max CPUs | 1 | 1 | |
Operating temperature | Unknown - 65.3°C | Unknown - 70°C | |
overclocking | |||
Overclock popularity | 50 | 8 | |
Overclocked clock speed | 3.43 GHz | 4.46 GHz | |
Overclocked clock speed (Water) | 3.46 GHz | 5.03 GHz | |
PassMark (Overclocked) | 3,775.1 | 1,170.5 | |
Overclocked clock speed (Air) | 3.43 GHz | 4.46 GHz | |
integrated graphics | |||
GPU | GPU | GPU | |
Label | Intel® HD Graphics 2500 | Radeon™ HD 7540D | |
GPU clock speed | 650 MHz | 760 MHz | |
memory controller | |||
Memory controller | Built-in | Built-in | |
Memory type | |||
DDR3-1866 | |||
DDR3-1600 | |||
DDR3-1333 | |||
DDR3 |
Intel Core i3 3220 ![]() | AMD A6 5400K ![]() |
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