CPU
GPU
Core i5-3210M
FX-9800P
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-3210M is positioned at rank 158 and the FX-9800P is on rank 949, so the Core i5-3210M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3210M
Performance Per Dollar FX-9800P
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3210M | FX-9800P |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($45) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3210M | FX-9800P |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+51%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($45) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-3210M and FX-9800P
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) | 1 MB (per module)+300% |
| 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 | ❌ | — |
| 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
The Core i5-3210M launched at $225 MSRP, while the FX-9800P debuted at $150. At current prices ($30 vs $45), the Core i5-3210M is $15 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3210M delivers 82.3 pts/$ vs 54.7 pts/$ for the FX-9800P — making the Core i5-3210M the 40.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3210M | FX-9800P |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225 | $150-33% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30-33% | $45 |
| Performance per Dollar | 82.3+50% | 54.7 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2016 |
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