A6-9500E vs Athlon 64 X2 5800+

AMD

A6-9500E

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Athlon 64 X2 5800+

2 Cores2 Thrd89 WWMax: 3 GHz2008
Similar parts
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A6-9500E vs Athlon 64 X2 5800+ 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.

A6-9500E vs Athlon 64 X2 5800+ 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.

A6-9500E vs Athlon 64 X2 5800+: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A6-9500E

2017

Why buy it

  • Draws 35W instead of 89W, a 54W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (8 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with AMD Radeon R5, while Athlon 64 X2 5800+ needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,741 vs 1,745).

Athlon 64 X2 5800+

2008

Why buy it

  • +0.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $230 MSRP, while A6-9500E mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 154.3% higher power demand at 89W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while A6-9500E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is A6-9500E better than Athlon 64 X2 5800+?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A6-9500E is ahead with a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Athlon 64 X2 5800+ pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon 64 X2 5800+ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
A6-9500E is still the much better call for a fresh build. A6-9500E comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $230 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon 64 X2 5800+ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2008 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (7.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM2.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A6-9500E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A6-9500E vs Athlon 64 X2 5800+ Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A6-9500E

The A6-9500E is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 1,741 points. Launch price was $70.

AMD

Athlon 64 X2 5800+

The Athlon 64 X2 5800+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Brisbane (2007−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,745 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

Both the A6-9500E and Athlon 64 X2 5800+ share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the A6-9500E versus 3 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 5800+ — a 12.5% clock advantage for the A6-9500E. The A6-9500E uses the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Athlon 64 X2 5800+ uses Brisbane (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the A6-9500E scores 1,741 against the Athlon 64 X2 5800+'s 1,745 — a 0.2% lead for the Athlon 64 X2 5800+. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureA6-9500EAthlon 64 X2 5800+
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz+13%
3 GHz
Base Clock
3 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
1024 kB+100%
512 kB
Process
28 nm-57%
65 nm
Architecture
Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)
Brisbane (2007−2008)
PassMark
1,741
1,745
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Memory & Platform

The A6-9500E uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Athlon 64 X2 5800+ uses AM2 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the A6-9500E versus DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 5800+ — the A6-9500E supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-9500E supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (A6-9500E) vs 0 (Athlon 64 X2 5800+) — the A6-9500E offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM4 (A6-9500E) and AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 5800+).

FeatureA6-9500EAthlon 64 X2 5800+
Socket
AM4
AM2
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400+200%
DDR2-800
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB+100%
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
8
0
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Advanced Features

The A6-9500E includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon R5), while the Athlon 64 X2 5800+ requires a dedicated GPU.

FeatureA6-9500EAthlon 64 X2 5800+
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
AMD Radeon R5