A12-9800E vs Xeon W5580

A12-9800E vs Xeon W5580 Performance Spectrum

A12-9800E

4 / 4

3,416

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon W5580

4 / 8

3,459

+1.3%

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 Xeon W5580 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 Xeon W5580: 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

✅Draws 35W instead of 130W, a 95W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (8 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon R7, while Xeon W5580 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon W5580.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W5580 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,416 vs 3,459).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W5580, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $426 MSRP, while Xeon W5580 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon W5580

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌271.4% higher power demand at 130W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while A12-9800E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A12-9800E.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W5580 better than A12-9800E?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W5580 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while A12-9800E is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon W5580 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.0% 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, Xeon W5580 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon W5580 is still the better call for a fresh build. Xeon W5580 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $426 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.0% 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 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A12-9800E vs Xeon W5580 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.

Xeon W5580

The Xeon W5580 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,459 points. Launch price was $102.

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Processing Power

The A12-9800E packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon W5580's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the A12-9800E versus 3.46 GHz on the Xeon W5580 — a 9.4% clock advantage for the A12-9800E (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The A12-9800E uses the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Xeon W5580 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A12-9800E scores 3,416 against the Xeon W5580's 3,459 — a 1.3% lead for the Xeon W5580. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A12-9800E vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon W5580.

Feature	A12-9800E	Xeon W5580
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+10%	3.46 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz	3.2 GHz+3%
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)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,416	3,459+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	651	—

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Memory & Platform

The A12-9800E uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W5580 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	A12-9800E	Xeon W5580
Socket	AM4	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	8	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A12-9800E) / not specified (Xeon W5580). The A12-9800E includes integrated graphics (Radeon R7), while the Xeon W5580 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A12-9800E targets Low Power. Direct competitor: A12-9800E rivals Pentium G4600T.