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AMD A12 9800 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£110
  • PassMark benchmark result: 3703
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.2 GHz

AMD A12 9800 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.2

Technical Score

10.0%

6.8

User score

Poor
4.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.9

Performance

18.0%

3.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.5

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.3

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.2

Platform

1.0%

7.4

Integrated Graphics

Poor
6.8

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

2.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(16)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Good
  • 3.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    2.3

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.8

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    5.2

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.0

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.5
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.5

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.0

    L3 cache

  • amd-a12-9800
  • amd-a12-9800
amd-a12-9800
amd-a12-9800

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The AMD A12-9800 is a 7th-generation 'Bristol Ridge' APU built on a 28nm process, featuring 4 CPU cores based on the Excavator architecture and 8 Radeon R7 graphics cores. It operates at a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz with a maximum boost of 4.2 GHz, supports dual-channel DDR4-2400 memory, and has a 65W TDP. Key advantages include its compatibility with the modern AM4 socket, providing an affordable entry point for the platform, and its integrated graphics which handle light gaming and 4K video playback better than contemporaneous budget Intel chips. However, it is hindered by its aging architecture which results in poor single-core performance, the lack of an L3 cache, and significantly lower efficiency compared to the newer Ryzen-based processors.

Technical Specifications of processor AMD A12 9800

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.9

Performance

18.0%

3.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.5

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.3

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.2

Platform

1.0%

7.4

Integrated Graphics

4.2
AMD A12 9800 has a technical score of 4.17 points, which is lower than that of 76.4% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

2.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(16)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

6.8
AMD A12 9800 has a user score of 6.8 points, which is lower than that of 95.9% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
2.6
AMD A12 9800 has a popularity of 2.6 points, which is higher than 77.5% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.4

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

6.1
AMD A12 9800 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.1 points, which is lower than 61% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

AMD
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
AMD A12 9800 belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

AM4
AMD A12 9800 uses the AM4 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 76.3% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

X370, B350, A320
AMD A12 9800 supports X370, B350, A320 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 66.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.3% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
AMD A12 9800 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

4
AMD A12 9800 has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

4
AMD A12 9800 offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

1
AMD A12 9800 offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

4.2 GHz
AMD A12 9800 reaches a boost clock of 4.2 GHz which is lower than that of 51.9% of processors and equal to that of 4.3% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 3.8 GHz
AMD A12 9800 has a base clock of 4x3.8 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

28 nm
AMD A12 9800 uses a 28 nm process node, which is older than that of 94.8% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

GlobalFoundries 28 nm
AMD A12 9800 is built on the GlobalFoundries 28 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 94.8% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

0 MB
AMD A12 9800 has an L3 cache of 0 MB which is smaller than that of 93.6% of processors and equal to that of 6.4% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

2 MB
AMD A12 9800 has an L2 cache of 2 MB which is smaller than that of 51.3% of processors and equal to that of 11.1% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

320 KB
AMD A12 9800 has an L1 cache of 320 KB which is smaller than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 4.1% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
AMD A12 9800 supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,400 MHz
AMD A12 9800 supports memory speeds up to 2400 MHz, which is lower than that of 63.2% of processors and equal to 12.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2400 MHz
AMD A12 9800 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2400 MHz, which is lower than that of 63.4% of processors and equal to 10.6% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

2,400 MHz
AMD A12 9800 supports XMP/EXPO memory speeds up to 2400 MHz, which is higher than that of 87.9% of processors and equal to 0.5% of processors.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

64 GB
AMD A12 9800 supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 28.4% of processors and equal to 27.6% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
AMD A12 9800 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Radeon R7
AMD A12 9800 uses the Radeon R7 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 82.6% of processors and equal to that in 1.3% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

?
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

?
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode)
AMD A12 9800 supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 56.2% of processors and equal to 9.5% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

65 W
AMD A12 9800 has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 70% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

65 W
AMD A12 9800 has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 70.3% of processors and equal to that of 16.4% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

65 W
AMD A12 9800 has a boost power of 65 W which is higher than that of 50.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.6% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

N/A
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
AMD A12 9800 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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AMD A12 9800 vs the average processor

  • Includes stock cooler
    AMD A12 9800 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AMD A12 9800 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    AMD A12 9800 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AMD A12 9800 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 10 °C lower CPU temperature
    AMD A12 9800 has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (90 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
    What it is: The reported operating temperature of the processor.
    When it matters: When you monitor thermals, cooling, or system stability.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <100 °C

    AMD A12 9800 has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (90 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.90 °C vs 100 °C
  • Modern CPU socket
    AMD A12 9800 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (AM4 vs FP2).
    What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

    Importance: HIGH

    AMD A12 9800 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (AM4 vs FP2).AM4 vs FP2
  • 14.8% higher single-core score
    AMD A12 9800 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,689 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    AMD A12 9800 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,689 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.1,689 vs 1,471
  • 2.59x more popular
    AMD A12 9800 is more popular than the average processor (2.59 vs 1.000).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    AMD A12 9800 is more popular than the average processor (2.59 vs 1.000).2.59 vs 1
  • 10 higher clock multiplier
    AMD A12 9800 has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (38 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    What it is: The ratio used to derive CPU frequency from the base clock.
    When it matters: When you tune or compare overclocking behavior.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >33

    AMD A12 9800 has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (38 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.38 vs 28
  • Modern CPU socket
    AMD A12 9800 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (AM4 vs FP2).
  • 14.8% higher single-core score
    AMD A12 9800 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,689 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 10 higher clock multiplier
    AMD A12 9800 has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (38 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    AMD A12 9800 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • Includes stock cooler
    AMD A12 9800 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • 10 °C lower CPU temperature
    AMD A12 9800 has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (90 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.

Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • 3 year/s older release date
    AMD A12 9800 has an older release date than the average processor (2,017 vs 2,020).
    July 2017
  • No crypto acceleration
    AMD A12 9800 does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • Older TPM support
    AMD A12 9800 supports an older TPM version than the average processor (fTPM 2.0 vs PTT 2.0).
  • 31% weaker single-core performance
    AMD A12 9800 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,713 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 64.8% lower PassMark score
    AMD A12 9800 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (3,703 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 64.8% lower multi-core score
    AMD A12 9800 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,689 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    AMD A12 9800 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • No multithreading support
    AMD A12 9800 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    AMD A12 9800 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 37.5% lower bus transfer rate
    AMD A12 9800 has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    AMD A12 9800 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 2.3% lower boost clock
    AMD A12 9800 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 2.33x larger process node
    AMD A12 9800 has a higher process node than the average processor (28 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    AMD A12 9800 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Bristol Ridge vs Kaby Lake).
  • 40.4% larger die size
    AMD A12 9800 has a higher die size than the average processor (250 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • Less advanced foundry
    AMD A12 9800 uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (GlobalFoundries 28 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 20% smaller L2 cache
    AMD A12 9800 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (2 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 37.4% fewer transistors
    AMD A12 9800 has fewer transistors than the average processor (3.1 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • 8 fewer PCIe lanes
    AMD A12 9800 has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (8 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • 18.2% lower memory speed
    AMD A12 9800 has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 16.2% lower memory bandwidth
    AMD A12 9800 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (38.4 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    AMD A12 9800 uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Radeon R7 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • Narrower media codec support
    AMD A12 9800 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • 44.4% higher base power
    AMD A12 9800 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 10 °C lower TJ Max
    AMD A12 9800 has a lower TJ Max than the average processor (90 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
  • No configurable TDP
    AMD A12 9800 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    AMD A12 9800 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 31% weaker single-core performance
    AMD A12 9800 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,713 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    AMD A12 9800 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,713 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,713 vs 2,483
  • 2.33x larger process node
    AMD A12 9800 has a higher process node than the average processor (28 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    AMD A12 9800 has a higher process node than the average processor (28 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.28 nm vs 12 nm
  • 64.8% lower PassMark score
    AMD A12 9800 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (3,703 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    AMD A12 9800 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (3,703 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.3,703 vs 10,532.5
  • 64.8% lower multi-core score
    AMD A12 9800 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,689 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    AMD A12 9800 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,689 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.1,689 vs 4,793
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    AMD A12 9800 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    AMD A12 9800 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    AMD A12 9800 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Bristol Ridge vs Kaby Lake).
    What it is: The internal core-design codename used for this processor generation.
    When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs at a deeper design level and want to identify the exact architecture behind marketing names.

    Importance: LOW

    AMD A12 9800 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Bristol Ridge vs Kaby Lake).Bristol Ridge vs Kaby Lake
  • No multithreading support
    AMD A12 9800 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
    What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
    When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    AMD A12 9800 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 8 fewer PCIe lanes
    AMD A12 9800 has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (8 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    What it is: The number of PCIe lanes provided directly by the processor.
    When it matters: When you connect fast GPUs, SSDs, or expansion cards.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=20

    AMD A12 9800 has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (8 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.8 vs 16
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Overall
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Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of AMD A12 9800 and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
16 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about AMD A12 9800?

  • Strong integrated Radeon R7 graphics compared to contemporary Intel budget chips
  • Capable of light gaming on titles like Rocket League and CS:GO at 720p/low settings
  • Uses the AM4 socket, providing a path to future upgrades like Ryzen
  • Supports DDR4 memory, which was a modern standard at its release
  • Good value for budget builds if acquired at a low price

What customers dislike about AMD A12 9800?

  • Uses the aging 'Excavator' architecture, leading to poor single-core performance
  • Significant CPU bottlenecks when paired with discrete GPUs
  • High power consumption relative to its performance levels
  • Officially limited to DDR4-2400 memory speeds, which can starve the iGPU
  • Struggles with content creation tasks like video rendering and encoding
  • Largely overshadowed by newer budget options like the Athlon 200G and Ryzen 3 2200G

Expert reviews

T
techpowerup.com
30/12/2016
AMD A12-9800 "Bristol Ridge" AM4 APU with ASUS A320M-C Tested

The AMD A12-9800 "Bristol Ridge" APU, tested on an ASUS A320M-C, introduces DDR4 support to AMD’s budget lineup using the AM4 platform. While offering improved integrated Radeon R7 graphics and lower power consumption than previous generations, its 28nm "Excavator" architecture provides similar performance to older A10-7850K models. The primary benefit is access to the future-proof...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
18/12/2024
AMD A12-9800 - CPU Benchmarks

The AMD A12-9800 is a 7th-generation "Bristol Ridge" APU utilizing the 28nm Excavator architecture on the AM4 socket, acting as a bridge to modern, faster platforms. While featuring a quad-core design with 3.8 GHz base clocks, its performance is often limited by older architecture compared to Zen-based chips. Pros include capable integrated Radeon R7 graphics for budget gaming and...Read more

T
techspot.com
11/09/2017
AMD A12-9800 Review: Infecting the AM4 Platform

The TechSpot review defines the AMD A12-9800 as an underwhelming 28nm Excavator-based "stop-gap" processor that utilizes outdated architecture on the modern AM4 platform. It underperforms against competitors like the Intel Pentium G4560 and Ryzen 3 1200 in both productivity and gaming scenarios, with limited DDR4-2400 memory bandwidth further hindering performance. While it offers...Read more

C
cpu.userbenchmark.com
23/03/2026
UserBenchmark: AMD A12-9800 APU (2016 M.BR) AD9800AUABBOX

The AMD A12-9800 is a 7th-generation Bristol Ridge APU featuring four cores at 3.8–4.2 GHz and integrated Radeon R7 graphics, serving as an early AM4 platform bridge. Key advantages include its capable integrated graphics for light e-sports gaming and support for DDR4-2400 memory on the AM4 socket. However, the chip is heavily limited by its aging 28nm Excavator architecture,...Read more

E
extreme.pcgameshardware.de
11/02/2017
AMD A12-9800 (AM4) R7 iGPU Gaming Benchmarks Collection

The PC Games Hardware forum review of the AMD A12-9800 (Bristol Ridge) highlights its role as a 65W, 4-core Excavator APU, offering a budget, transitional option on the AM4 platform with DDR4 support. Pros include platform compatibility for future Ryzen upgrades, decent integrated Radeon R7 graphics for light eSports, and suitability for office tasks. Conversely, the review notes...Read more

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C
chip.de
27/10/2017
AMD A12-9800 (CPU) Review

The CHIP.de review positions the AMD A12-9800 as a transitional Bristol Ridge APU featuring four 3.8 GHz Excavator cores, bridging older technology with the modern AM4 platform. While providing superior Radeon R7 integrated graphics for light 720p/900p gaming compared to Intel competitors, its CPU performance is rooted in older, less efficient architecture. Despite advantages like...Read more

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T
tomshardware.fr
23/09/2016
First tests of the AMD A12-9800 CPU: 20% more efficient, 10% faster

The AMD A12-9800 APU, based on the Bristol Ridge architecture, offers a 10% to 15% performance increase over its predecessor and improved energy efficiency, consuming 20% less power and running up to 20°C cooler under load. Key benefits include the transition to the AM4 platform with DDR4 memory support and solid overclocking potential, though performance remains limited by the...Read more

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N
noticias3d.com
13/09/2017
Performance analysis of the AMD A12-9800 APU

The Noticias3D review of the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D and 7900X3D highlights the implementation of 3D V-Cache technology, which offers exceptional gaming performance by reducing latency in CPU-bound scenarios. The 7950X3D is particularly lauded as a "best of both worlds" solution, combining 16 cores for heavy workloads with top-tier gaming speeds that outperform the competition....Read more

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P
profesionalreview.com
30/12/2016
Testing the AMD A12-9800 with an ASUS A320M-C Motherboard

The AMD A12-9800, a "Bristol Ridge" APU, brings Excavator cores and Radeon R7 graphics to the AM4 platform, offering DDR4 support and an upgrade path to Ryzen, though it is not Zen-based and underperforms in single-threaded tasks compared to contemporary Intel options. Paired with the entry-level ASUS A320M-C motherboard, the setup provides a cost-effective, stable foundation...Read more

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N
notebookcheck.nl
16/07/2017
HP EliteBook 755 G4 (AMD PRO A12-9800B) Laptop Review

The HP EliteBook 755 G4 is a 15.6-inch, AMD-powered business laptop featuring a high-quality magnesium and aluminum chassis that is both thin and relatively light. Key advantages include excellent maintenance options, a wide array of connectivity, and comprehensive security features such as a fingerprint sensor and SmartCard reader. However, the system's AMD PRO A12-9800B processor...Read more

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