CPU Comparison

The AMD A10-9700 and AMD A12-9800E are a closely matched pair of Bristol Ridge desktop processors, sharing the same Excavator architecture, 28nm process node, 4 cores, and 4 threads. The data shows a consistent, though narrow, performance advantage for the A10-9700 across all tested Cinebench workloads, while the A12-9800E counters with a significantly lower 35W TDP and an active production status. Their average benchmark scores are virtually identical, with the A10-9700 at 1034 and the A12-9800E at 1033, placing both at the 28th percentile of all CPUs.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head benchmark results are remarkably consistent, with the AMD A10-9700 winning all five recorded comparisons. The largest margin of victory is in the Cinebench R20 single-core test, where the A10-9700 scores 178 against the A12-9800E's 174, a 2.3% lead. This pattern of single-core superiority is repeated in the Cinebench R23 single-core test, where the A10-9700's 424 points edges out the A12-9800E's 416 by 1.9%. These results indicate a slight clock-for-clock advantage in single-threaded execution, despite both processors sharing a 3.80 GHz boost clock.

In multi-threaded workloads, the A10-9700 maintains its lead, although the margins are slightly tighter. The Cinebench R15 multi-core test shows the A10-9700 at 302 versus 297 for the A12-9800E, a 1.7% difference. The Cinebench R20 multi-core test yields a 1261 score for the A10-9700 and 1239 for the A12-9800E, representing a 1.8% delta. The Cinebench R23 multi-core test follows the same pattern, with the A10-9700 scoring 3004 compared to the A12-9800E's 2950, again a 1.8% difference. These consistent multi-core margins suggest the A10-9700's higher 3.50 GHz base clock, compared to the A12-9800E's 3.10 GHz, provides a sustained advantage under full load.

The overall win tally is decisive in one direction: the A10-9700 wins 5 benchmarks, while the A12-9800E wins none. However, the practical significance of these gains is minimal. The largest delta is just 2.3%, and the average benchmark scores are separated by only one point. When viewed against their nearest rivals, both processors are effectively tied with the AMD A10-7890K, which has an average score of 1035, and the AMD A8-7680, at 1036. The Intel Pentium G4560 trails slightly with an average score of 1031. The A10-9700's 0.1% lead over the A12-9800E in average score is statistically negligible.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD A10-9700 wins in every benchmark category where both were tested, which covers the full range of Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 workloads, both single-core and multi-core. This makes it the clear choice for any application that relies on raw CPU compute throughput, such as rendering, video encoding, or heavy multitasking. Its performance advantage is consistent, even if the magnitude is small, meaning users can expect a minor but reproducible improvement in all CPU-bound tasks.

The AMD A12-9800E's wins are not in raw performance but in operational characteristics. Its 35W TDP is dramatically lower than the A10-9700's 65W TDP, a 30W reduction that makes it far more suitable for compact, low-noise, or power-constrained builds. The data also shows that the A12-9800E has a production status of "Active," whereas the A10-9700 is marked as "End-of-life." This suggests the A12-9800E is the more readily available and forward-looking part for new system integration. Additionally, the A12-9800E has Geekbench scores recorded in its benchmark suite (1521 multi-core, 631 single-core), which are not present for the A10-9700, though this is a data availability difference rather than a performance claim.

For a user prioritizing the lowest possible power draw and a guaranteed supply channel, the A12-9800E is the winner. For a user prioritizing the highest possible benchmark scores, the A10-9700 is the winner. The trade-off is clear: 30W of power consumption for a performance delta of roughly 1.7% to 2.3%.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on the same fundamental architecture, which explains their nearly identical performance. They share the Excavator microarchitecture, the Bristol Ridge codename, and are fabricated on a 28nm process at GlobalFoundries. Both have 4 cores and 4 threads, with no simultaneous multithreading. The transistor count is identical at 3,100 million, and the die size is the same at 250 mm². The cache hierarchy is also identical, with 320 KB of L1 cache and 2 MB of L2 cache, and neither processor has any L3 cache.

The primary architectural difference lies in their clock speeds and power targets. The A10-9700 has a base clock of 3.50 GHz, while the A12-9800E operates at a lower 3.10 GHz base clock. Both share the same 3.80 GHz boost clock. This combination of a lower base clock and a 35W TDP, versus the A10-9700's 65W TDP, indicates that the A12-9800E is a power-optimized bin of the same silicon. The lower base clock is the direct reason for its reduced power consumption and is also the source of the A10-9700's performance advantage in sustained workloads.

The platforms are otherwise identical. Both use the AMD Socket AM4, support dual-channel DDR4 memory, and feature a PCIe Gen 3 connection with 8 CPU lanes. The integrated graphics are the same Radeon R7 solution. Neither processor supports ECC memory, and neither has an unlocked multiplier. The release dates are the same, and neither has a recorded launch MSRP. The only other difference in the data is that the A12-9800E lists a memory bandwidth of null, while the A10-9700 is rated at 38.4 GB/s, though this likely reflects a data omission rather than a hardware difference given the identical memory controller.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The AMD A10-9700 is consistently faster in multi-core tests. It scores 302 in Cinebench R15, 1261 in R20, and 3004 in R23, compared to the A12-9800E's 297, 1239, and 2950, respectively. This represents a delta of 1.7% to 1.8% in favor of the A10-9700.

Q: Is the AMD A12-9800E more power-efficient?

A: Yes, the data confirms a significant power efficiency advantage for the A12-9800E. Its TDP is 35W, which is 30W lower than the A10-9700's 65W TDP. This is its primary distinguishing feature.

Q: Do both processors have the same core and thread counts?

A: Yes, both the AMD A10-9700 and the AMD A12-9800E have exactly 4 cores and 4 threads. They also share the same 320 KB L1 cache and 2 MB L2 cache, with no L3 cache present.

Q: What is the difference in their base clock speeds?

A: The AMD A10-9700 has a base clock of 3.50 GHz, while the AMD A12-9800E has a base clock of 3.10 GHz. Their boost clocks are identical at 3.80 GHz.

Q: How do these processors compare to the Intel Pentium G4560?

A: The AMD A10-9700 has an average benchmark score of 1034, which is 0.3% higher than the Intel Pentium G4560's 1031. The AMD A12-9800E's average score of 1033 is 0.2% higher than the Pentium G4560.

Q: Are both processors based on the same architecture?

A: Yes, both are built on the Excavator architecture with the Bristol Ridge codename. They are fabricated on the same 28nm process at GlobalFoundries, with identical transistor counts of 3,100 million and a die size of 250 mm².

The Verdict

The benchmark data presents a clear, if narrow, performance hierarchy. The AMD A10-9700 is the faster processor in every measured workload, taking all 5 head-to-head wins. Its advantage ranges from 1.7% in multi-core tests to 2.3% in single-core tests, driven by its higher 3.50 GHz base clock. For any user whose primary concern is absolute CPU performance, the A10-9700 is the correct choice based on this data alone.

However, the AMD A12-9800E is not without merit. Its 35W TDP is a substantial engineering achievement, offering a 30W reduction compared to the A10-9700's 65W TDP. This makes it the superior option for small form factor builds, silent PCs, or any system where thermal output and power draw are critical constraints. Furthermore, its "Active" production status is a practical advantage over the A10-9700's "End-of-life" status, ensuring long-term availability for system builders.

The performance difference between the two is so small that it will be imperceptible in most real-world applications. The average benchmark scores are separated by a single point (1034 vs 1033), and both sit at the 28th percentile of all CPUs. The decision should therefore be driven by the power and availability factors. The data suggests that the A10-9700 is the pick for maximum compute performance, while the A12-9800E is the pick for maximum efficiency and supply chain security. There is no wrong answer here, only a trade-off between 30W of power and roughly 2% of performance.