Intel Core i7-6870HQ vs AMD Phenom II X2 521

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CPU comparison with benchmarks

-VS-

CPU lineage

Intel Core i7-6870HQ or Intel Core i7-6870HQ – which processor offers superior performance? In this comparison, we examine disparities and assess which of these two CPUs outperforms the other. We delve into technical specifications and benchmark outcomes.
The Intel Core i7-6870HQ features 4 processor cores and has the capability to manage 8 threads concurrently.
It was released in Q1/2016 and belongs to the 6 generation of the Intel Core i7 series.
To use the Intel Core i7-6870HQ, you'll need a motherboard with a BGA 1440 socket.
The AMD Phenom II X2 521 features 2 processor cores and has the capability to manage 2 threads concurrently.
It was released in Q2/2011 and belongs to the 1 generation of the AMD Phenom II series.
To use the AMD Phenom II X2 521, you'll need a motherboard with a AM3 socket.
Mobile Segment Desktop / Server
Intel Core i7-6870HQ Name AMD Phenom II X2 521
Intel Core i7 Family AMD Phenom II
6 Generation 1
Intel Core i 6000H Group AMD Phenom II - 500
 
 

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

The Intel Core i7-6870HQ has 4 CPU cores and can calculate 8 threads in parallel.
The clock frequency of the Intel Core i7-6870HQ is 2.7 GHz
and turbo frequency for one core is 3.6 GHz.
The AMD Phenom II X2 521 has 2 CPU cores and can calculate 2 threads in parallel.
The clock frequency of the AMD Phenom II X2 521 is 3.5 GHz
3.6 GHz Turbo Frequency (1 core) None
No Overclocking Yes
normal Core architecture normal
2.7 GHz Frequency 3.5 GHz
8 Threads 2
3.2 GHz Turbo Frequency (all cores) None
Yes Hyperthreading No
4 CPU Cores 2
4x Cores 2x
 
 

Internal Graphics

The Intel Core i7-6870HQ has integrated graphics, called iGPU for short.
Specifically, the Intel Core i7-6870HQ uses the Intel Iris Pro Graphics 580, which has 576 texture shaders
and 72 execution units.
The iGPU uses the system's main memory as graphics memory and sits on the processor's die.
The AMD Phenom II X2 521 does not have integrated graphics.
0.35 GHz GPU frequency --
Q3/2015 Release date --
12.0 Direct X --
Intel Iris Pro Graphics 580 GPU name
14 nm Technology --
-- Max. displays --
576 Shaders --
32.0 GB Max. GPU Memory 0 bytes
72 Execution units --
9 Generation --
1.0 GHz GPU (Turbo) --
 
 

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

-- AI specifications --
-- AI hardware --
 
 

Hardware codec support

A photo or video codec that is accelerated in hardware can greatly accelerate the working speed of a processor and extend the battery life of notebooks or smartphones when playing videos.
Decode / Encode AVC --
Decode VC-1 --
Decode VP9 --
Decode h265 / HEVC (10 bit) --
Decode / Encode h264 --
Decode / Encode VP8 --
Decode / Encode h265 / HEVC (8 bit) --
Decode / Encode JPEG --
No AV1 --
 
 

Memory & PCIe

The processor supports a maximum memory capacity of 64.0 GB distributed across 2 memory channels. It offers a peak memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. Both the type and quantity of memory can have a substantial impact on the overall system performance.
2 Memory channels 2
64.0 GB Max. Memory 0 bytes
pci PCIe pci
Yes AES-NI No
No ECC No
34.1 GB/s Bandwidth --
DDR4-2133 Memory type DDR3-1333, DDR2-1066
 
 

Thermal Management

The processor has a thermal design power (TDP) of 45 W watts.
TDP indicates the cooling solution needed to effectively manage the processor's heat. It generally provides an approximate indication of the actual power consumption of the CPU itself.
The processor has a thermal design power (TDP) of 65 W watts.
100 °C Tjunction max --
45 W TDP (PL1 / PBP) 65 W
35 W TDP down None
 
 

Technical details

The Intel Core i7-6870HQ is manufactured using a 14 nm process.
A smaller manufacturing process indicates a more contemporary and energy-efficient CPU.
In total, this processor boasts a generous 8.0 MB cache.
A substantial cache can significantly enhance the processor's performance, particularly in scenarios like gaming.
The AMD Phenom II X2 521 is manufactured using a 45 nm process.
In total, this processor boasts a generous 2.0 MB cache.
Q1/2016 Release date Q2/2011
-- Part Number --
0 bytes L2-Cache 0 bytes
VT-x, VT-x EPT, VT-d Virtualization AMD-V
SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 ISA extensions SSE3, SSE4a
Monolithic Chip design --
Skylake H Architecture Regor (K10)
14 nm Technology 45 nm
BGA 1440 Socket AM3
Windows 10, Linux Operating systems Windows 10, Linux
434 $ Release price 35 $
Technical data sheet Documents Technical data sheet
x86-64 (64 bit) Instruction set (ISA) x86-64 (64 bit)
8.0 MB L3-Cache 2.0 MB