Core i5-3210M vs FX-9800P

Core i5-3210M vs FX-9800P Performance Spectrum

Core i5-3210M

2 / 4

2,469

+0.4%

2,460

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 i5-3210M 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 i5-3210M 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 i5-3210M

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while FX-9800P needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.0 vs 16.4 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
❌3313.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 15W.

FX-9800P

2016

Why buy it

✅Costs $75 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 49.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.4 vs 11.0 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 15W instead of 512W, a 497W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,460 vs 2,469).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3210M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-9800P better than Core i5-3210M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, FX-9800P is ahead with a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3210M pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3210M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% 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 $75 cheaper on MSRP at $150 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-3210M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.4% better PassMark. It is also 49.5% better value on MSRP (16.4 vs 11.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

FX-9800P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3210M vs FX-9800P Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3210M

The Core i5-3210M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,469 points. Launch price was $225.

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 i5-3210M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-9800P offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-9800P has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-3210M versus 3.6 GHz on the FX-9800P — a 14.9% clock advantage for the FX-9800P (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-3210M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-9800P uses Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3210M scores 2,469 against the FX-9800P's 2,460 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-3210M.

Feature	Core i5-3210M	FX-9800P
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	3.6 GHz+16%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.7 GHz+8%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB (per module)
Process	22 nm-21%	28 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)
PassMark	2,469	2,460
Geekbench 6 Single	600	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,400	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3210M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-9800P uses FP4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3210M	FX-9800P
Socket	BGA1023	FP4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3210M) / not specified (FX-9800P). The Core i5-3210M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the FX-9800P requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3210M targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3210M rivals AMD A10-4600M.

Feature	Core i5-3210M	FX-9800P
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Mainstream Laptop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3210M was priced at $225, while the FX-9800P came in at $150. On launch pricing ($225 vs $150), FX-9800P was $75 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3210M delivers 11.0 pts/$ vs 16.4 pts/$ for the FX-9800P — making the FX-9800P the 39.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3210M	FX-9800P
MSRP	$225	$150-33%
Performance per Dollar	11.0	16.4+49%
Release Date	2012	2016

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