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Overview

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.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for A12-9800 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of A12-9800 specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The A12-9800 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 4.2 GHz from a base frequency of 3.8 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 3,695, 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 635.

Specification	A12-9800
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.8 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	3,695
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	635

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Memory & Platform

The A12-9800 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	A12-9800
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

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Advanced Features

The A12-9800 is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium G4600.

Specification	A12-9800
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Budget
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 G4600

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Power & Cooling

The A12-9800 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 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	A12-9800
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	90 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

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Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #2071 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	A12-9800
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$139
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2071
Release DateLaunch date	27 July 2017 (8 years ago)
Release Year	2017
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD