PRO A8-9600 vs Xeon X3470

AMD

PRO A8-9600

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2016
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon X3470

4 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2009
Similar parts
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PRO A8-9600 vs Xeon X3470 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 A8-9600 vs Xeon X3470 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 A8-9600 vs Xeon X3470: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

PRO A8-9600

2016

Why buy it

  • Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X3470 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (3,318 vs 3,341).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X3470, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon X3470

2009

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +7.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $589 MSRP, while PRO A8-9600 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X3470 better than PRO A8-9600?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X3470 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while PRO A8-9600 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 X3470 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.4% 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 X3470 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon X3470 is the better buy right now. Xeon X3470 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $589 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (5.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 A8-9600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

PRO A8-9600 vs Xeon X3470 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

PRO A8-9600

The PRO A8-9600 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 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 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: 3,318 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Xeon X3470

The Xeon X3470 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,341 points. Launch price was $589.

Processing Power

The PRO A8-9600 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon X3470's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the PRO A8-9600 versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon X3470 — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Xeon X3470 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The PRO A8-9600 uses the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Xeon X3470 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the PRO A8-9600 scores 3,318 against the Xeon X3470's 3,341 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon X3470.

FeaturePRO A8-9600Xeon X3470
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz
3.6 GHz+6%
Base Clock
3.1 GHz+6%
2.93 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2048 kB+700%
256 kB (per core)
Process
28 nm-38%
45 nm
Architecture
Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)
Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark
3,318
3,341
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Memory & Platform

The PRO A8-9600 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X3470 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeaturePRO A8-9600Xeon X3470
Socket
AM4
LGA1156
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0