Core i7-9700K vs PRO A12-9800E

Intel

Core i7-9700K

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2018
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

PRO A12-9800E

4 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2017
Similar parts
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Core i7-9700K vs PRO A12-9800E 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 i7-9700K vs PRO A12-9800E 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 i7-9700K vs PRO A12-9800E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +228.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while PRO A12-9800E needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $385 MSRP, while PRO A12-9800E mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.

PRO A12-9800E

2017

Why buy it

  • Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (3,128 vs 14,397).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-9700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than PRO A12-9800E?
Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 228.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 360.3% 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, Core i7-9700K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 228.3% 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, Core i7-9700K is the stronger fit. You are getting 360.3% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-9700K is the better buy right now. Core i7-9700K comes in at an unclear MSRP at $385 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 228.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible AM4 + DDR4 setup, PRO A12-9800E can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-9700K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-9700K vs PRO A12-9800E Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-9700K

The Core i7-9700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,397 points. Launch price was $374.

AMD

PRO A12-9800E

The PRO A12-9800E 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 3.8 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,128 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the PRO A12-9800E offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-9700K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 3.8 GHz on the PRO A12-9800E — a 25.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-9700K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the PRO A12-9800E uses Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the PRO A12-9800E's 3,128 — a 128.6% lead for the Core i7-9700K.

FeatureCore i7-9700KPRO A12-9800E
Cores / Threads
8 / 8+100%
4 / 4
Boost Clock
4.9 GHz+29%
3.8 GHz
Base Clock
3.6 GHz+16%
3.1 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
2048 kB+700%
Process
14 nm-50%
28 nm
Architecture
Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)
PassMark
14,397+360%
3,128
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the PRO A12-9800E uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-9700KPRO A12-9800E
Socket
LGA1151
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K) / not specified (PRO A12-9800E). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the PRO A12-9800E requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.

FeatureCore i7-9700KPRO A12-9800E
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Desktop