A12-9800 vs Core i7-2670QM

AMD

A12-9800

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-2670QM

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2011
Similar parts
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A12-9800 vs Core i7-2670QM Performance Spectrum

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.

A12-9800 vs Core i7-2670QM 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.

A12-9800 vs Core i7-2670QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A12-9800

2017

Why buy it

  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-2670QM.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (3,695 vs 3,748).
  • 44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Core i7-2670QM

2011

Why buy it

  • +1.4% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.
  • 100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • No boxed cooler included, unlike A12-9800.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2670QM better than A12-9800?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A12-9800 is ahead with a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2670QM pulls ahead with 1.4% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2670QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-2670QM still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-2670QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.4% better PassMark. That said, if you already own a compatible AM4 + DDR4 setup, A12-9800 can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A12-9800 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A12-9800 vs Core i7-2670QM Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A12-9800

The A12-9800 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,695 points. Launch price was $139.

Intel

Core i7-2670QM

The Core i7-2670QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,748 points. Launch price was $378.

Processing Power

The A12-9800 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2670QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the A12-9800 versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-2670QM — a 30.1% clock advantage for the A12-9800 (base: 3.8 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The A12-9800 uses the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i7-2670QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A12-9800 scores 3,695 against the Core i7-2670QM's 3,748 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i7-2670QM. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A12-9800 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2670QM.

FeatureA12-9800Core i7-2670QM
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
4.2 GHz+35%
3.1 GHz
Base Clock
3.8 GHz+73%
2.2 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
6 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2048 kB+700%
256K (per core)
Process
28 nm-13%
32 nm
Architecture
Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
3,695
3,748+1%
Geekbench 6 Single
635
🧠

Memory & Platform

The A12-9800 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2670QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the A12-9800 versus 1600 on the Core i7-2670QM — the A12-9800 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A12-9800 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (A12-9800) vs 16 (Core i7-2670QM) — the Core i7-2670QM offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A320,B350,X370 (A12-9800) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2670QM).

FeatureA12-9800Core i7-2670QM
Socket
AM4
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400+50%
1600
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+100%
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
8
16+100%
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A12-9800) vs true (Core i7-2670QM). Both include integrated graphics Radeon R7 (A12-9800) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2670QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A12-9800 targets Budget. Direct competitor: A12-9800 rivals Pentium G4600; Core i7-2670QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.

FeatureA12-9800Core i7-2670QM
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon R7
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
true
Target Use
Budget