A12-9800E
Core i7-9700K
A12-9800E vs Core i7-9700K 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.
A12-9800E vs Core i7-9700K 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
A12-9800E vs Core i7-9700K: 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
2017Why buy it
- ✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
- ✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-9700K.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower PassMark (3,416 vs 14,397).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.0 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($426 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
Core i7-9700K
2018Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +212.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Costs $41 less on MSRP ($385 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 366.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 8.0 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
- ✅100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
- ❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A12-9800E.
Quick Answers
So, is Core i7-9700K better than A12-9800E?
Which one is better for gaming?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A12-9800E vs Core i7-9700K 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 i7-9700K
The Core i7-9700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,397 points. Launch price was $374.
Processing Power
The A12-9800E packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-9700K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the A12-9800E versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 25.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The A12-9800E uses the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A12-9800E scores 3,416 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 123.3% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A12-9800E vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.
| Feature | A12-9800E | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 8 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz | 4.9 GHz+29% |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.6 GHz+16% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2048 kB+700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 28 nm | 14 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 3,416 | 14,397+321% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 651 | — |
Memory & Platform
The A12-9800E uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the A12-9800E versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Core i7-9700K supports 11.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-9700K supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (A12-9800E) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Core i7-9700K offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A320,B350,X370 (A12-9800E) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).
| Feature | A12-9800E | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400 | DDR4-2666+11% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | No | No |
| PCIe Lanes | 8 | 16+100% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A12-9800E) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon R7 (A12-9800E) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A12-9800E targets Low Power, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: A12-9800E rivals Pentium G4600T.
| Feature | A12-9800E | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon R7 | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Low Power | Desktop |
Value Analysis
At launch, the A12-9800E was priced at $426, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($426 vs $385), Core i7-9700K was $41 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A12-9800E delivers 8.0 pts/$ vs 37.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-9700K the 129.4% better value option.
| Feature | A12-9800E | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $426 | $385-10% |
| Performance per Dollar | 8.0 | 37.4+368% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2018 |
Affiliate Disclosure
ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on A12-9800E and Core i7-9700K
