Core i5-2390T vs FX-9800P

Intel

Core i5-2390T

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

FX-9800P

4 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2016
Similar parts
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Core i5-2390T vs FX-9800P 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.

Core i5-2390T vs FX-9800P 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.

Core i5-2390T vs FX-9800P: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2390T

2011

Why buy it

  • +1.3% higher PassMark.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2000, while FX-9800P needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike FX-9800P.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-9800P across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.7 vs 16.4 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
  • 133.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 15W.

FX-9800P

2016

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +3.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $32 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
  • Delivers 19.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.4 vs 13.7 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
  • Draws 15W instead of 35W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,460 vs 2,491).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2390T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2390T.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-9800P better than Core i5-2390T?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, FX-9800P is ahead with a 3.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2390T pulls ahead with 1.3% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2390T is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
FX-9800P is the better buy right now. FX-9800P comes in $32 cheaper on MSRP at $150 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-2390T is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.3% better PassMark. It is also 19.8% better value on MSRP (16.4 vs 13.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
FX-9800P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2390T vs FX-9800P Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-2390T

The Core i5-2390T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,491 points. Launch price was $100.

AMD

FX-9800P

The FX-9800P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 31 May 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (per module). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,460 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Core i5-2390T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-9800P offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-9800P has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-2390T versus 3.6 GHz on the FX-9800P — a 2.8% clock advantage for the FX-9800P (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-2390T uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the FX-9800P uses Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2390T scores 2,491 against the FX-9800P's 2,460 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i5-2390T.

FeatureCore i5-2390TFX-9800P
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
3.5 GHz
3.6 GHz+3%
Base Clock
2.7 GHz
2.7 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
1 MB (per module)+300%
Process
32 nm
28 nm-13%
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)
PassMark
2,491+1%
2,460
Geekbench 6 Single
614
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2390T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the FX-9800P uses FP4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-2390TFX-9800P
Socket
LGA1155
FP4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2390T) / not specified (FX-9800P). The Core i5-2390T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the FX-9800P requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2390T targets Legacy Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2390T rivals A8-3800.

FeatureCore i5-2390TFX-9800P
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 2000
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Legacy Low Power Desktop
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2390T was priced at $182, while the FX-9800P came in at $150. On launch pricing ($182 vs $150), FX-9800P was $32 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2390T delivers 13.7 pts/$ vs 16.4 pts/$ for the FX-9800P — making the FX-9800P the 18% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-2390TFX-9800P
MSRP
$182
$150-18%
Performance per Dollar
13.7
16.4+20%
Release Date
2011
2016

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