Ryzen 7 5800X vs A8-3870K
Ryzen 7 5800X
A8-3870K
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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 7 5800X
Performance Per Dollar A8-3870K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 7 5800X | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 7 5800X | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) | ✅ 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 7 5800X and A8-3870K
Ryzen 7 5800X
The Ryzen 7 5800X 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 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 27,712 points. Launch price was $449.
A8-3870K
The A8-3870K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,360 points. Launch price was $90.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 7 5800X packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the A8-3870K offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Ryzen 7 5800X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Ryzen 7 5800X versus 3 GHz on the A8-3870K — a 44.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 5800X (base: 3.8 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Ryzen 7 5800X uses the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the A8-3870K uses Llano (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 7 5800X scores 27,712 against the A8-3870K's 2,360 — a 168.6% lead for the Ryzen 7 5800X. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 5800X vs 0 kB on the A8-3870K.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 5800X | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16+100% | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4.7 GHz+57% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.8 GHz+27% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm-78% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) | Llano (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 27,712+1074% | 2,360 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 380 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 7 5800X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the A8-3870K uses FM1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 7 5800X versus DDR3-1866 on the A8-3870K — the Ryzen 7 5800X supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 7 5800X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 7 5800X) vs 20 (A8-3870K) — the Ryzen 7 5800X offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 7 5800X) and A55,A75 (A8-3870K).
| Feature | Ryzen 7 5800X | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | FM1 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+100% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200+33% | DDR3-1866 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+300% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24+20% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AMD-V virtualization. The A8-3870K includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6550D), while the Ryzen 7 5800X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 7 5800X targets Desktop, A8-3870K targets Budget Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-3870K rivals Core i3-2125.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 5800X | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Radeon HD 6550D |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Desktop | Budget Gaming Desktop |
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