AMD FX-9800P

AMD FX-9800P is a 4-core, 4-thread mobile processor from the Bristol Ridge generation, built on the Excavator architecture using a 28 nm process at GlobalFoundries. It operates at a base clock of 2.70 GHz with a boost clock of 3.60 GHz, and its benchmark results place it in the 19th percentile of all CPUs, indicating performance near the lower end of the spectrum. The data shows a processor that is functional for basic tasks, but its scores reveal significant limitations under demanding workloads.

Benchmark Performance

The FX-9800P’s benchmark results are consistent across multiple testing suites, showing a processor that sits at the very edge of entry-level capability. In Cinebench R15 multicore, it scores 210 points, while in Cinebench R20 multicore, the score is 876, and in Cinebench R23 multicore, it reaches 2088. These numbers, when compared to its nearest rivals, show a processor that is statistically tied with its competition, but the deltas are so small that they suggest no practical performance advantage in either direction.

The average benchmark score for the FX-9800P is 745, which places it within a fraction of a point from its closest competitors. Against the AMD A10 PRO-7800B, the delta is -0.1%, meaning the FX-9800P is essentially identical in performance. Similarly, the Intel Atom x7211E shows a delta of -0.2%, the Intel Core i5-670 shows -0.2%, and the Intel Pentium G4400 shows -0.2%. These differences are negligible in real-world usage, implying that the FX-9800P neither outperforms nor underperforms its direct rivals by any measurable margin.

Geekbench results reinforce this picture, with a multicore score of 1127 and a single-core score of 498. The multicore score is roughly 2.3 times the single-core score, which is a modest scaling factor that hints at the processor’s difficulty in utilizing its four cores efficiently. The Cinebench R23 numbers tell a similar story: a multicore score of 2088 compared to a single-core score of 294 gives a scaling ratio of about 7.1x, which is far below the ideal 4x for a quad-core part, suggesting significant overhead or thermal constraints that limit sustained multicore performance.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The split between single-thread and multi-thread performance is telling. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score of 294 is exceptionally low, representing only about 14% of the multicore score. This indicates that the Excavator architecture, despite its 3.60 GHz boost clock, delivers weak per-core instructions per clock (IPC). For workloads that rely on a single thread, such as older games or lightly threaded applications, the FX-9800P will struggle to maintain responsiveness.

The Geekbench single-core score of 498 further confirms this, as it places the processor in a range where even basic web browsing or office document editing might feel sluggish if the application is not well-optimized for multi-threading. Conversely, the multicore scores, while still low, show that the processor can leverage its four cores to some degree. The Cinebench R20 multicore score of 876, for instance, is about 7.1 times the single-core score of 123, which is better than the R23 ratio but still indicates that the scaling is far from linear. This suggests that the FX-9800P is better suited to parallel workloads like video encoding or batch processing, where the scheduler can distribute threads across all cores, but even then, the absolute performance ceiling is low.

For real-world workloads, this split means that the FX-9800P will feel more capable in multi-threaded scenarios compared to single-threaded ones, but the overall low scores limit its usefulness for any intensive task. A user might notice that the processor handles a multi-tab browser session with background updates better than a single-threaded spreadsheet calculation, but neither will be a smooth experience compared to modern processors.

How It Compares

Against the AMD A10 PRO-7800B, the FX-9800P is virtually a mirror image, with a delta of -0.1% in average score. Both processors share the same architectural DNA, so this similarity is expected. The data implies that upgrading from one to the other would yield no observable performance change, making them interchangeable in practice.

The Intel Atom x7211E presents a more interesting comparison. Despite being an Atom-class part, it matches the FX-9800P with a delta of -0.2%. This is surprising because Atom processors are typically designed for low-power embedded or fanless systems, yet the benchmark results indicate that the FX-9800P’s higher clock speeds do not translate into a performance advantage. The data suggests that the Excavator architecture’s IPC deficit is so severe that even a low-power Atom can keep pace.

The Intel Core i5-670, a much older desktop processor from the Clarkdale generation, also matches the FX-9800P with a delta of -0.2%. This is a humbling comparison, as the i5-670 was released years earlier and runs at a similar clock speed, yet it delivers the same level of performance. The benchmark results indicate that the FX-9800P’s 28 nm process and Excavator cores offer no generational advantage over this legacy part.

The Intel Pentium G4400, a dual-core desktop processor, similarly ties the FX-9800P with a delta of -0.2%. This is notable because the G4400 has only two cores, yet it matches a quad-core part in average score. The data implies that the FX-9800P’s additional cores do not help in the benchmarks that contribute to the average score, likely due to poor multicore scaling or thermal throttling.

Who Should Consider It

The FX-9800P is not a processor for demanding workloads. For gaming, the integrated Radeon R7 8CU graphics provide a basic level of visual output, but the low single-core scores will bottleneck most modern game engines, which rely heavily on single-thread performance. The Cinebench R23 single-core score of 294 suggests that even esports titles running at low settings will struggle to maintain playable frame rates.

For content creation, the multicore scores offer a glimmer of hope. The Cinebench R23 multicore score of 2088, while low, is enough for occasional photo editing or light video transcoding, but the long render times will frustrate users who work with large files. The Geekbench multicore score of 1127 reinforces this, indicating that the processor can handle basic creation tasks but will choke on anything beyond casual use.

Office workloads are where the FX-9800P finds its niche. Document editing, spreadsheet management, and email clients are mostly single-threaded, but the low single-core score means even these tasks will feel slightly laggy. The processor is best suited for a user who needs a basic laptop for browsing, streaming, and light productivity, with no expectation of high performance. It is an end-of-life product, so it should only be considered for legacy systems or budget-conscious builds where performance is a secondary concern.

Power and Thermals

The FX-9800P has a TDP of 15 watts, which classifies it as a low-power mobile processor. This TDP is typical for ultraportable laptops, allowing for thin and light designs without active cooling in some cases. The 15-watt envelope means that the processor can be cooled by a passive heatsink in a well-ventilated chassis, though a small fan might be necessary under sustained load.

The low TDP also implies that the processor will not generate excessive heat, which is beneficial for battery life and system longevity. However, the benchmark data suggests that the processor may be thermally constrained, as the multicore scaling is poor. This could indicate that the processor boosts to 3.60 GHz for short bursts but quickly drops clocks under sustained load to stay within the 15-watt power budget. For users, this means that the FX-9800P will feel fast during brief moments of activity but will slow down during prolonged tasks like video encoding or large file transfers.

Platform and Compatibility

The FX-9800P uses the AMD Socket FP4, which is a BGA (ball grid array) socket designed for soldered mobile processors. This means that the processor is not upgradeable, and any system built around it must be purchased as a complete unit. The processor supports DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s, which is modest by modern standards but adequate for its performance class.

PCIe support is limited to Gen 3 with 8 lanes from the CPU, which restricts the bandwidth available for discrete GPUs or NVMe storage. This is a significant limitation for users who want to add a dedicated graphics card, as the 8 lanes will bottleneck high-end GPUs, though entry-level cards will function acceptably. The processor does not support ECC memory, which is expected for a consumer mobile part.

The upgrade path is essentially nonexistent, as the FP4 socket is not compatible with newer AMD processors. Users who purchase a laptop with the FX-9800P are locked into its performance for the life of the system, with no option to swap the CPU. The architecture is Excavator, which is a predecessor to the Zen architecture, and the 28 nm process node is several generations behind modern manufacturing, further limiting any potential for overclocking or efficiency gains.

FAQ

Q: What is the average benchmark score of the AMD FX-9800P?

A: The average benchmark score is 745, which places it in the 19th percentile of all CPUs.

Q: How does the FX-9800P compare to the Intel Pentium G4400?

A: The FX-9800P has a delta of -0.2% compared to the Pentium G4400, meaning they perform nearly identically despite the FX-9800P having four cores and the G4400 having two.

Q: Does the FX-9800P support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported by this processor.

Q: What is the TDP of the FX-9800P, and what does it imply for cooling?

A: The TDP is 15 watts, which is low enough for passive cooling in some chassis, though a small fan may be needed under sustained load.

Q: Can the FX-9800P be upgraded?

A: No, the processor is soldered to the motherboard via the AMD Socket FP4, so it cannot be replaced or upgraded.

Q: What memory type does the FX-9800P support?

A: It supports DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s.