PRO A12-9800 vs Xeon E5630

AMD

PRO A12-9800

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2016
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5630

4 Cores8 Thrd80 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2010
Similar parts
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PRO A12-9800 vs Xeon E5630 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 E5630 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 E5630: 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

  • Draws 65W instead of 80W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5630 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (3,751 vs 3,785).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5630, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
  • Launch MSRP is still $110 MSRP, while Xeon E5630 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5630

2010

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +4.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

  • 23.1% higher power demand at 80W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5630 better than PRO A12-9800?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5630 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 gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5630 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.2% 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, Xeon E5630 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E5630 is still the better call for a fresh build. Xeon E5630 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $110 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. PRO A12-9800 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is so cheap, but its absolute performance tier is too low to be the better recommendation now. At roughly 3,751 PassMark with 4 cores and 4 threads, it only really makes sense as a bare-minimum stopgap or a very constrained existing-platform upgrade.
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 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

PRO A12-9800 vs Xeon E5630 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 E5630

The Xeon E5630 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,785 points. Launch price was $73.

Processing Power

The PRO A12-9800 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E5630's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the PRO A12-9800 versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon E5630 — a 40% clock advantage for the PRO A12-9800 (base: 3.8 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). The PRO A12-9800 uses the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Xeon E5630 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the PRO A12-9800 scores 3,751 against the Xeon E5630's 3,785 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon E5630.

FeaturePRO A12-9800Xeon E5630
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
4.2 GHz+50%
2.8 GHz
Base Clock
3.8 GHz+50%
2.53 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2048 kB+700%
256 kB (per core)
Process
28 nm-13%
32 nm
Architecture
Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)
Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark
3,751
3,785
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Memory & Platform

The PRO A12-9800 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5630 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeaturePRO A12-9800Xeon E5630
Socket
AM4
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%