The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →AnTuTu’s 2013 revision changed the apparent Intel-versus-ARM comparison because the benchmark’s Intel-compiled code was reportedly skipping some instructions intended for its RAM test. In AnTuTu 3.2.2, the Intel Atom Z2580’s reported overall and CPU scores fell by about 20%, and its RAM score by about 50%. This was a correction to a specific benchmark path—not proof that ARM processors universally or currently outperform Intel.
What the AnTuTu revision changed
Jim McGregor’s July 12, 2013 report for EE Times focused on the Intel Atom Z2580 in the Lenovo K900. It said AnTuTu revision 3.2.2 substantially reduced the Atom’s reported results in some categories. The figures below are approximate changes reported at the time, not direct comparisons of processor performance across different devices or benchmark generations.
| Device and chip | AnTuTu result affected | Reported change in version 3.2.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Lenovo K900, Intel Atom Z2580 | Overall score | Down approximately 20%, according to the 2013 EE Times report reproduced in Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Benchmark Report. |
| Lenovo K900, Intel Atom Z2580 | CPU score | Down approximately 20%, according to the same report. |
| Lenovo K900, Intel Atom Z2580 | RAM score | Down approximately 50%, according to the same report. |
| Samsung Galaxy S4 comparison results | Scores cited in the report | Described as relatively unchanged; the report does not provide a percentage change. |
Why the Intel result was affected
According to McGregor’s account, AnTuTu had introduced an Intel-specific code path compiled with Intel’s ICC compiler around version 2.9.4, while code for other processors used GCC. A BDTI review then found that the Intel-compiled code did not execute all the instructions intended for the RAM test. If a benchmark does less of the work it is meant to measure, its score can be artificially high; the report said this issue improved results associated with the Lenovo K900 and Intel Atom processors.
AnTuTu’s 3.2.2 revision still used ICC, but the reported Atom scores changed considerably. That distinction matters: the account attributes the problem to the execution of the RAM-test instructions, not simply to the fact that Intel’s compiler was used. The historical report describes the defect and its effects; the original release notes and raw runs are not established here for an independent audit.
#1 Best Overall
![Intel Core i5 6500 3.20 GHz Quad Core Skylake Desktop Processor, Socket LGA 1151, 6MB Cache [BX80662I56500]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Gq81DIpEL._SL160_.jpg)
- A new level of intelligent performance
- Do more at once
- Speedy content creation
- Get your game on
What the ARM comparison does—and does not—show
The revision makes the original Atom result less persuasive as a like-for-like comparison, because one benchmark path reportedly failed to execute all intended RAM-test instructions. It does not establish a general performance ranking between ARM and Intel. The reported score reductions concern one 2013 phone and a particular AnTuTu version; the Samsung Galaxy S4 results were described as relatively unchanged.
Today’s AnTuTu device rankings are a separate, dynamic context. They do not by themselves provide a controlled, current ARM-versus-Intel comparison. A meaningful comparison would need to identify the benchmark version, devices and chips, test subscores, and code paths, and use results gathered under comparable conditions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- CPU (Included): Intel Atom C2558 Processor; Supports up to 15W TDP (Quad-Core)
- Memory: 4x 240pin DDR3-1600/1333 SODIMM Slots, ECC/Non-ECC, Max Capacity of 64GB
- Slots: 1x PCI-Express 2.0 x8 Slot, 1x PCI-Express 2.0 x4 Slot
- SATA: 2x SATA3 Ports, 4x SATA2 Ports
- Form Factor: MicroATX
Rank #4
- 10 cores (6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores) and 16 threads
- Performance hybrid architecture integrates two core microarchitectures, prioritizing and distributing workloads to optimize performance
- Up to 4.7 GHz unlocked. 20MB Cache
- Compatible with Intel 600-series (with potential BIOS update) and 700-series chipset-based motherboards
- PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support. DDR4 and DDR5 Memory support. RM1 thermal solution included. Discrete graphics required.
Rank #3
- SSE2 / Streaming SIMD Extensions 2
- SSSE3 / Supplemental Streaming SIMD Extensions 3
- SSE4 / SSE4.1 + SSE4.2 / Streaming SIMD Extensions 4
Rank #2
- Quad-Core Intel Atom x5-Z8300 Processor
- Windows 10 (32-bit)
- Intel HD graphics
- 2 GB DDR3L 1600 MHz soldered down single-channel memory
- Integrated Wireless 802.11ac (Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265)
How to read the 2013 result
- Identify the version. The correction discussed here was AnTuTu 3.2.2; earlier results should not be treated as if they used the revised test.
- Separate the subscores. The reported changes were about 20% for overall and CPU scores and about 50% for RAM—not a single across-the-board performance reduction.
- Keep the device context. The Atom result concerned the Lenovo K900. It should not be generalized to every Intel processor or compared directly with modern phones.
- Treat this as a benchmark-validity lesson. Compiler choices and test implementation can influence results when a code path does not execute the intended work.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
