A8-9600 vs Xeon X3480

A8-9600 vs Xeon X3480 Performance Spectrum

A8-9600

4 / 4

3,295

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon X3480

4 / 8

3,327

+1.0%

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.

A8-9600 vs Xeon X3480 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.

A8-9600 vs Xeon X3480: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-9600

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (8 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon R7 Series, while Xeon X3480 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Xeon X3480.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X3480 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,295 vs 3,327).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X3480, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon X3480

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $612 MSRP, while A8-9600 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while A8-9600 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-9600.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X3480 better than A8-9600?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X3480 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while A8-9600 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 X3480 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.6% 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 X3480 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon X3480 is the better buy right now. Xeon X3480 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $612 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (5.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

A8-9600 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.

A8-9600 vs Xeon X3480 Technical Specifications

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

A8-9600

The A8-9600 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 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,295 points. Launch price was $78.

Xeon X3480

The Xeon X3480 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: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,327 points. Launch price was $612.

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Processing Power

The A8-9600 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon X3480's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the A8-9600 versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X3480 — a 9.3% clock advantage for the Xeon X3480 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.06 GHz). The A8-9600 uses the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Xeon X3480 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A8-9600 scores 3,295 against the Xeon X3480's 3,327 — a 1% lead for the Xeon X3480. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-9600 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon X3480.

Feature	A8-9600	Xeon X3480
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	3.73 GHz+10%
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	3,295	3,327
Geekbench 6 Single	607	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,415	—

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Memory & Platform

The A8-9600 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X3480 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	A8-9600	Xeon X3480
Socket	AM4	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	8	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A8-9600) / not specified (Xeon X3480). The A8-9600 includes integrated graphics (Radeon R7 Series), while the Xeon X3480 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-9600 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-9600 rivals Pentium G4560.