A12-9800E vs Core i7-880

CPU

GPU

A12-9800E

4 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2017

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Core i7-880

4 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.73 GHz2010

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A12-9800E vs Core i7-880 Performance Spectrum

A12-9800E

4 / 4

3,416

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i7-880

4 / 8

3,429

+0.4%

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.

A12-9800E vs Core i7-880 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.

A12-9800E vs Core i7-880: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A12-9800E

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $157 less on MSRP ($426 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Delivers 36.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.0 vs 5.9 PassMark/$ ($426 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon R7, while Core i7-880 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-880 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,416 vs 3,429).

Core i7-880

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.9 vs 8.0 PassMark/$ ($583 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while A12-9800E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-880 better than A12-9800E?

Yes. Core i7-880 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-880 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.3% 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, Core i7-880 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-880 is still the better call for a fresh build. Core i7-880 comes in 36.9% more expensive on MSRP at $583 MSRP versus $426 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. A12-9800E only looks stronger on raw value math because it is so cheap, but its absolute performance tier is too low to be the better recommendation now. At roughly 3,416 PassMark with 4 cores and 4 threads, it only really makes sense as a bare-minimum stopgap or a very constrained existing-platform upgrade.

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

A12-9800E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A12-9800E vs Core i7-880 Technical Specifications

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

A12-9800E

The A12-9800E 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 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,416 points. Launch price was $105.

Core i7-880

The Core i7-880 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,429 points. Launch price was $583.

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Processing Power

The A12-9800E packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-880's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the A12-9800E versus 3.73 GHz on the Core i7-880 — a 1.9% clock advantage for the A12-9800E (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.06 GHz). The A12-9800E uses the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i7-880 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A12-9800E scores 3,416 against the Core i7-880's 3,429 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-880. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 651 vs 507, a 24.9% lead for the A12-9800E that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A12-9800E vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-880.

Feature	A12-9800E	Core i7-880
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+2%	3.73 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+1%	3.06 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2048 kB+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	28 nm-38%	45 nm
Architecture	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,416	3,429
Geekbench 6 Single	651+28%	507
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,478

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Memory & Platform

The A12-9800E uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-880 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the A12-9800E versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-880 — the A12-9800E supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A12-9800E supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (A12-9800E) vs 16 (Core i7-880) — the Core i7-880 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A320,B350,X370 (A12-9800E) and P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i7-880).

Feature	A12-9800E	Core i7-880
Socket	AM4	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+80%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+300%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	8	16+100%

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: AMD-V (A12-9800E) vs Yes (Core i7-880). The A12-9800E includes integrated graphics (Radeon R7), while the Core i7-880 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A12-9800E targets Low Power. Direct competitor: A12-9800E rivals Pentium G4600T.

Feature	A12-9800E	Core i7-880
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Radeon R7	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	Yes
Target Use	Low Power	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A12-9800E was priced at $426, while the Core i7-880 came in at $583. On launch pricing ($426 vs $583), A12-9800E was $157 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A12-9800E delivers 8.0 pts/$ vs 5.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-880 — making the A12-9800E the 30.7% better value option.

Feature	A12-9800E	Core i7-880
MSRP	$426-27%	$583
Performance per Dollar	8.0+36%	5.9
Release Date	2017	2010

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