Ryzen 5 5600X vs A12-9800
Ryzen 5 5600X
A12-9800
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Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 5600X
Performance Per Dollar A12-9800
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | A12-9800 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($135) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | A12-9800 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($135) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Ryzen 5 5600X and A12-9800
Ryzen 5 5600X
The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.
A12-9800
The A12-9800 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 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. 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: 3,695 points. Launch price was $139.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 5 5600X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the A12-9800 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus 4.2 GHz on the A12-9800 — a 9.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the A12-9800 uses Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 5600X scores 21,845 against the A12-9800's 3,695 — a 142.1% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X vs 0 kB on the A12-9800.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | A12-9800 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12+50% | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz+10% | 4.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.8 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 2048 kB+300% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm-75% | 28 nm |
| Architecture | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) | Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 21,845+491% | 3,695 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 635 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the AM4 socket with PCIe 4.0. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. The Ryzen 5 5600X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs 8 (A12-9800) — the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X) and A320,B350,X370 (A12-9800).
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | A12-9800 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+100% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24+200% | 8 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 5 5600X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AMD-V virtualization. The A12-9800 includes integrated graphics (Radeon R7), while the Ryzen 5 5600X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop, A12-9800 targets Budget. Direct competitor: A12-9800 rivals Pentium G4600.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | A12-9800 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Radeon R7 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Desktop | Budget |
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