A10-7870K vs Xeon E5-1603

A10-7870K vs Xeon E5-1603 Performance Spectrum

A10-7870K

4 / 4

3,506

+0.7%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon E5-1603

4 / 4

3,482

0.0%

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

A10-7870K vs Xeon E5-1603 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A10-7870K vs Xeon E5-1603: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A10-7870K

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 95W instead of 130W, a 35W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon R7, while Xeon E5-1603 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon E5-1603.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon E5-1603

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A10-7870K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,482 vs 3,506).
❌36.8% higher power demand at 130W vs 95W.
❌No integrated graphics, while A10-7870K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A10-7870K.

Quick Answers

So, is A10-7870K better than Xeon E5-1603?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-1603 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while A10-7870K is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, A10-7870K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.4% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A10-7870K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

A10-7870K still makes the most sense overall. A10-7870K comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A10-7870K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A10-7870K vs Xeon E5-1603 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A10-7870K

The A10-7870K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 28 May 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,506 points. Launch price was $120.

Xeon E5-1603

The Xeon E5-1603 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 3,482 points. Launch price was $800.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the A10-7870K and Xeon E5-1603 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. The A10-7870K is built on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. In PassMark, the A10-7870K scores 3,506 against the Xeon E5-1603's 3,482 — a 0.7% lead for the A10-7870K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A10-7870K vs 10 MB on the Xeon E5-1603.

Feature	A10-7870K	Xeon E5-1603
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz	—
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+39%	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	10 MB
L2 Cache	4096 kB	—
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Godaveri (2014−2016)	—
PassMark	3,506	3,482
Geekbench 6 Single	550	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A10-7870K uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-1603 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	A10-7870K	Xeon E5-1603
Socket	FM2+	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-2133	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A10-7870K) / not specified (Xeon E5-1603). The A10-7870K includes integrated graphics (Radeon R7), while the Xeon E5-1603 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-7870K targets Budget. Direct competitor: A10-7870K rivals Core i3-4370.