PRO A12-9800 vs Xeon E5-1607

AMD

PRO A12-9800

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2016
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-1607

4 Cores4 Thrd130 WW2012
Similar parts
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PRO A12-9800 vs Xeon E5-1607 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.

PRO A12-9800 vs Xeon E5-1607 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.

PRO A12-9800 vs Xeon E5-1607: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

PRO A12-9800

2016

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +5.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 65W instead of 130W, a 65W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (3,751 vs 3,788).
  • Launch MSRP is still $110 MSRP, while Xeon E5-1607 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5-1607

2012

Why buy it

  • +1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than PRO A12-9800 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • 100% higher power demand at 130W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is PRO A12-9800 better than Xeon E5-1607?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-1607 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while PRO A12-9800 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-1607 is the stronger fit. You are getting 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 at an unclear MSRP at $110 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-1607 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (34.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
PRO A12-9800 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.

PRO A12-9800 vs Xeon E5-1607 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

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.

Intel

Xeon E5-1607

The Xeon E5-1607 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 3,788 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

Both the PRO A12-9800 and Xeon E5-1607 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. The PRO A12-9800 is built on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the PRO A12-9800 scores 3,751 against the Xeon E5-1607's 3,788 — a 1% lead for the Xeon E5-1607.

FeaturePRO A12-9800Xeon E5-1607
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
4.2 GHz
Base Clock
3.8 GHz+27%
3 GHz
L3 Cache
10 MB
L2 Cache
2048 kB
Process
28 nm-13%
32 nm
Architecture
Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)
PassMark
3,751
3,788
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Memory & Platform

The PRO A12-9800 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-1607 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeaturePRO A12-9800Xeon E5-1607
Socket
AM4
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0