A12-9800E
AMD
PassMark
3,416
MSRP
$426
AVG Price
$150
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.
Overview
The A12-9800E 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 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,416 points. Launch price was $105.
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 A12-9800E
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for A12-9800E across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Dead by Daylight
Delta Force
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Fortnite
Honkai: Star Rail
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Path of Exile 2
Project Zomboid
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of A12-9800E specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The A12-9800E is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 28 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.8 GHz from a base frequency of 3.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 2048 kB of L2 cache. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 3,416, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 651.
| Specification | A12-9800E |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 4C / 4T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.8 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3.1 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 28 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 0 kB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 2048 kB |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 246 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 1,178 million |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 90 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 3,416 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 651 |
Memory & Platform
The A12-9800E fits into the AM4 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 8 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4-2400 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Radeon R7 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | A12-9800E |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | AM4 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 8 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 64 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | No |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | Radeon R7 |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | A320,B350,X370 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
The A12-9800E is primarily designed for Low Power. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium G4600T.
| Specification | A12-9800E |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Low Power |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | AMD-V |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | Pentium G4600T |
Power & Cooling
The A12-9800E has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.
| Specification | A12-9800E |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 35 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 90 °C |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | Yes |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Stock |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $150 (MSRP: $426), the A12-9800E delivers 23 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2132 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | A12-9800E |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $426 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $150 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $105 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #2132 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 27 July 2017 (8 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | AMD |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
6 specs
General Information
6 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Designer | AMD |
| Launch Price | $105 |
| Release Date | 27 July 2017 (8 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 2132 |
Technical Specifications
13 specs
Technical Specifications
13 specs
| Cores | 4 |
| Threads | 4 |
| Die Size | 246 mm2 |
| L2 Cache | 2048 kB |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB |
| Max Frequency | 3.8 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 3.1 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 1,178 million |
| Process Technology | 28 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 90 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
| Max Case Temperature (TCase) | 74 °C |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 35 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
2 specs
Memory
2 specs
| RAM Types | DDR4-2400 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
Similar Performance
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Our Recommendation for A12-9800E
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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