A8-3870K vs Xeon E5-2403

A8-3870K vs Xeon E5-2403 Performance Spectrum

A8-3870K

4 / 4

2,360

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon E5-2403

4 / 8

2,367

+0.3%

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.

A8-3870K vs Xeon E5-2403 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.

A8-3870K vs Xeon E5-2403: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-3870K

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6550D, while Xeon E5-2403 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon E5-2403.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,360 vs 2,367).
❌25% higher power demand at 100W vs 80W.

Xeon E5-2403

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 80W instead of 100W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while A8-3870K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-3870K.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2403 better than A8-3870K?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2403 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while A8-3870K is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2403 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Xeon E5-2403 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E5-2403 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark.

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

Xeon E5-2403 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A8-3870K vs Xeon E5-2403 Technical Specifications

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

A8-3870K

The A8-3870K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,360 points. Launch price was $90.

Xeon E5-2403

The Xeon E5-2403 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,367 points. Launch price was $230.

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Processing Power

Both the A8-3870K and Xeon E5-2403 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the A8-3870K versus 1.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-2403 — a 50% clock advantage for the A8-3870K (base: 3 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The A8-3870K uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5-2403 uses Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A8-3870K scores 2,360 against the Xeon E5-2403's 2,367 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E5-2403. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-3870K vs 10240 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2403.

Feature	A8-3870K	Xeon E5-2403
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz+67%	1.8 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+67%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	10240 kB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Sandy Bridge-EN (2012)
PassMark	2,360	2,367
Geekbench 6 Single	380	—

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Memory & Platform

The A8-3870K uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5-2403 uses LGA1356 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	A8-3870K	Xeon E5-2403
Socket	FM1	LGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A8-3870K) / not specified (Xeon E5-2403). The A8-3870K includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6550D), while the Xeon E5-2403 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3870K targets Budget Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-3870K rivals Core i3-2125.