Core i7-2710QE vs PRO A12-9800

Core i7-2710QE vs PRO A12-9800 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-2710QE

4 / 8

3,749

0.0%

3,751

+0.1%

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 i7-2710QE vs PRO A12-9800 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 i7-2710QE vs PRO A12-9800: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-2710QE

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while PRO A12-9800 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,749 vs 3,751).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.9 vs 34.1 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $110 MSRP).

PRO A12-9800

2016

Why buy it

✅Costs $268 less on MSRP ($110 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 243.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 34.1 vs 9.9 PassMark/$ ($110 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2710QE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is PRO A12-9800 better than Core i7-2710QE?

Yes. PRO A12-9800 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, PRO A12-9800 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.3% 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, PRO A12-9800 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

PRO A12-9800 is the better buy right now. PRO A12-9800 comes in $268 cheaper on MSRP at $110 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 243.8% better value on MSRP (34.1 vs 9.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

PRO A12-9800 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-2710QE vs PRO A12-9800 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-2710QE

The Core i7-2710QE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,749 points. Launch price was $378.

PRO A12-9800

The PRO A12-9800 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 3 October 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. 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: 3,751 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-2710QE packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the PRO A12-9800's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i7-2710QE versus 4.2 GHz on the PRO A12-9800 — a 33.3% clock advantage for the PRO A12-9800 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core i7-2710QE uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the PRO A12-9800 uses Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2710QE scores 3,749 against the PRO A12-9800's 3,751 — a 0.1% lead for the PRO A12-9800.

Feature	Core i7-2710QE	PRO A12-9800
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz	4.2 GHz+40%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	3.8 GHz+81%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	2048 kB+700%
Process	32 nm	28 nm-13%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)
PassMark	3,749	3,751
Geekbench 6 Single	604	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2710QE uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the PRO A12-9800 uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-2710QE	PRO A12-9800
Socket	PGA988	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2710QE) / not specified (PRO A12-9800). The Core i7-2710QE includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the PRO A12-9800 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2710QE targets Embedded/Industrial. Direct competitor: Core i7-2710QE rivals Embedded R-Series.

Feature	Core i7-2710QE	PRO A12-9800
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Embedded/Industrial	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-2710QE was priced at $378, while the PRO A12-9800 came in at $110. On launch pricing ($378 vs $110), PRO A12-9800 was $268 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2710QE delivers 9.9 pts/$ vs 34.1 pts/$ for the PRO A12-9800 — making the PRO A12-9800 the 109.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-2710QE	PRO A12-9800
MSRP	$378	$110-71%
Performance per Dollar	9.9	34.1+244%
Release Date	2011	2016

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